Silicon based electronics and embedded software now pervades the systems and devices we use on a daily basis and is the key enabling technology for internet based systems, automation and vehicle systems.

Taking silicon based electronics to the next level by adding micro sensors, micro actuators, biology and novel materials is now one of the primary goals of engineers and scientists within the international electronics community.

Advances have already been made through, for example, the integration of gyroscopes into mobile phones and the use of silicon micro mirrors in high definition displays. However, further advances over the coming years are expected to revolutionise health care, environmental monitoring, and energy by way of hand held devices for rapid detection of cancers, low cost toxin detection, and miniaturised energy harvesters (to replace batteries).

This course will focus on these miniaturised systems which are able to describe and diagnose a situation, detect critical conditions, and identify and address each other. They may also be energy autonomous and networked. Students will learn how to design micro sensors and actuators that are interfaced to physical, biological, chemical, thermal or electromagnetic systems.

Students will also study: methods of building control loops and associated software; the design of analogue and digital electronic interfaces; and, the manufacture of novel packaging technologies. Applications in health care and medical diagnostics, automotive and aerospace, energy and environment, industrial control and consumer electronics will also be studied.

Modules:

• Smart Systems
• Intelligent Control
• Embedded Systems
• Engineering Management
• RF and Analogue Design
• Industrial Project