Dependable Integrated Systems

Program Overview

---

The Dependable Integrated Systems specialization within the Master's in Electrical Engineering at the University of Twente focuses on designing robust computing systems that can withstand failures and security threats. Students learn about system-on-chip design, embedded computer architectures, and dependable computing systems, and can specialize in areas such as analogue/digital conversion architecture or hardware/software integration. The program combines software engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science, and offers opportunities to work on assignments with real-world applications through collaborations with industry partners.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

---

Overview:

The Dependable Integrated Systems specialization within the Master's in Electrical Engineering program at the University of Twente focuses on designing robust computing systems that can withstand random failures and security threats, ensuring dependability. Students can choose elective courses to specialize in areas such as analogue/digital conversion architecture or hardware/software integration.

---

Objectives:

• To provide students with a solid understanding of hardware design for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
• To equip students with the ability to understand the specifications of an IoT computing system based on its dependability and real-time requirements.
• To impart a clear understanding of the role of hardware and software design approaches in application-specific architectures.

---

Program Description:

This specialization combines software engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science to design dependable computing systems. Students will learn about system-on-chip design, embedded computer architectures, and dependable computing systems. They will also have the opportunity to work on assignments with real-world applications through collaborations with industry partners, government agencies, and knowledge institutes.

---

Outline:

---

Content:

• Hardware design for IoT applications
• Specifications of IoT computing systems
• Role of hardware and software design approaches in application-specific architectures
• Dependability in computing systems
• Techniques for incorporating dependability at the design level

---

Structure:

• The program consists of a combination of core courses and elective courses.
• Core courses provide a foundation in the fundamentals of dependable integrated systems.
• Elective courses allow students to specialize in a particular area of interest.

---

Course Schedule:

• The program is typically completed in two years of full-time study.
• The course schedule includes lectures, tutorials, and practical assignments.

---

Individual Modules:

---

System-on-Chip Design:

• Covers the design of mixed-signal system-on-chips, considering all aspects of the design.

---

Embedded Computer Architectures I:

• Explores the characteristics of embedded systems, including efficiency, cost-effectiveness, safety, security, size, performance, and real-time requirements.

---

Dependable Computing Systems:

• Examines the techniques needed to incorporate dependability at the design level and the significance of dependability in computing systems.

---

Assessment:

---

Assessment Methods:

• Written exams
• Oral presentations
• Project reports
• Practical assignments

---

Assessment Criteria:

• Understanding of the concepts and principles of dependable integrated systems
• Ability to apply knowledge to solve problems
• Communication and presentation skills
• Teamwork and collaboration skills

---

Teaching:

---

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical assignments
• Group projects

---

Faculty:

• Dr. Marco Ottavi, Programme mentor for Dependable Integrated Systems

---

Unique Approaches:

• Collaboration with industry partners, government agencies, and knowledge institutes for real-world applications
• Focus on the ethical considerations of safety-critical systems
• Exploration of the societal impact of edge-based computing systems and ubiquitous AI

---

Careers:

---

Potential Career Paths:

• Hardware design engineer
• Software design engineer
• System architect
• Project manager
• Researcher

---

Opportunities:

• Employment in industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and telecommunications
• Opportunities for further research and development in the field of dependable integrated systems

---

Outcomes:

• Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for a successful career in the design and development of dependable integrated systems.