Carnegie Mellon University

Electrical and Computer Engineering

College of Engineering

Course Information

18-540: Rapid Prototyping of Computer Systems

Units:

12

Description:

This is a project-oriented course which will deal with all four aspects of project development; the application, the artifact, the computer-aided design environment, and the physical prototyping facilities. The class, in conjunction with the instructors, will develop specifications for a mobile computer to assist in inspection and maintenance. The application will be partitioned between human computer interaction, electronics, industrial design, mechanical, and software components. The class will be divided into groups to specify, design, and implement the various subsystems. The goal is to produce a working hardware/software prototype of the system and to evaluate the user acceptability of the system. We will also monitor our progress in the design process by capturing our design escapes (errors) with the Orthogonal Defect Classification (ODC). Upon completion of this course the student will be able to: generate systems specifications from a perceived need; partition functionality between hardware and software; produce interface specifications for a system composed of numerous subsystems; use computer-aided design tools; fabricate, integrate, and debug a hardware/software system; and evaluate the system in the context of an end user application. Senior standing is required. This course is crosslisted as 18-745.

Prerequisites: (18-491 or 18-370 or 18-320) and (18-340 or 18-341 or 18-349) and (18-213) and (18-220) and (18-240) and (18-290)

Last Modified: 2024-11-20 12:16PM

Semesters offered:

  • Spring 2025
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2023
  • Fall 2022
  • Spring 2022
  • Spring 2021
  • Spring 2020
  • Spring 2019
  • Spring 2018
  • Spring 2017
  • Spring 2016
  • Spring 2015
  • Spring 2014
  • Spring 2013
  • Spring 2012
  • Spring 2011
  • Spring 2010
  • Spring 2009
  • Spring 2008
  • Spring 2007
  • Spring 2006
  • Spring 2005