Final Project: Closed-Loop Low-Power Embedded Systems

Final Project Goals

The goal for the final project is to create a low-power embedded system that interacts with the world in an interesting way. In previous years, we have focused on motion as a means to requiring the tight timing that bare-metal embedded systems can provide.

Logistics

You should work in teams of between 2 and 4. The project will be due on the last day of finals.

Instructions and rubric

Please put together a written report, 2-3 pages, which includes a description of your concept and actual design. Include pedagogical information about any sensors or special devices you have used. Diagrams, pictures, and drawings are welcome. In addition, create two videos, one longer, formed as a presentation (i.e., with slides) of your design and implementation, and one shorter (two minutes or less - functioning as a brief advertisement) mainly focusing on showing off your functioning product. For extra credit, create a GitHub project (for your code and other design files) and associated website which has the written presentation content. On Canvas, submit either a link to this site or your written presentation, your code, and links

You will be graded on:

• the quality of your presentation (written and oral). Do you do a good job of explaining your system concept and architecture? Do you include pedagogical content that will educate listeners on specific sensors or actuators that you used? Is it enjoyable to watch/listen to?
• the quality of your design concept. Does it match the capabilities of the MSP430 in its complexity, real-time processing, and low-power requirements? Is it interesting/fun?
• the quality of your execution on this concept. Does your final product match the vision that you described? Does the actual device (including PCB and other parts) seem polished?
• the quality of your code and system architecture. Does your system architecture reflect concepts we cover in class (low power modes, hardware modules, timers, PWM, etc)? Is your code well thought out and well commented? Is your hardware (i.e., PCB/circuit) well designed?

Lame-O Backup project

If you are struggling to come up with a project, I have designed and manufactured PCBs that could be used to play Tic-Tac-Toe. You may optionally choose to take one of these PCBs and write the code for the game on it.

Projects from previous years

2015

• A Biometric Security Application for Vending Machine & Safe Box
• The “Kemere Shoe”
• My Heart Is A Stereo
• The “IR-controlled Car”
• The “Longboard Light-Painting Speedometer”

2014

• Fan Controller
• Robot
• Whiteboard Eraser
• Light Follower
• Robot
• Laser Targeting
• Maze Game

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