Embedded Software for Aerospace Systems

AERO-4970/7970

Fall 2009, TR 9:30 – 10:45, Room AE 215

Dr. Gil Crouse

Office: AE 333

crousgl@auburn.edu

Synopsis

Embedded software is software that runs on dedicated hardware to perform some sort of function.  It is used all around us in everyday applications such as cell phones and iPods, but is also an integral part of all modern aircraft and spacecraft.  It is estimated that the systems onboard the F-22 Raptor use around 2 million lines of source code. 

This course will introduce aerospace engineering students to some of the techniques and tools used for developing embedded software for aerospace vehicle avionics.  Students will be introduced to modern programming practices and to software engineering tools pertaining to embedded systems such as autopilots and avionics systems. 

This hands-on course will be a mixture of lecture and lab where students will use a single board computer to develop some basic robotics applications.  They will interface the computer to various sensors and learn to control servo motors to make the robot perform various tasks.

Lecture Notes and Materials