Comprehensive Course Structure
The B.Tech program in Microcontrollers is structured over 8 semesters, each building upon the previous one to ensure a progressive and comprehensive understanding of embedded systems design and development. The curriculum includes core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EC 101 | Engineering Mathematics I | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 1 | EC 102 | Basic Electronics | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 1 | EC 103 | Programming in C | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 1 | EC 104 | Digital Logic Design | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 1 | EC 105 | Basic Electrical Engineering | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 1 | EC 106 | Introduction to Microcontrollers | 2-0-2-3 | None |
| 2 | EC 201 | Engineering Mathematics II | 3-1-0-4 | EC 101 |
| 2 | EC 202 | Electronics Devices and Circuits | 3-1-0-4 | EC 102 |
| 2 | EC 203 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3-1-0-4 | EC 103 |
| 2 | EC 204 | Microprocessor Architecture | 3-1-0-4 | EC 104 |
| 2 | EC 205 | Electronic Measurements and Instrumentation | 3-1-0-4 | EC 102 |
| 2 | EC 206 | Microcontroller Laboratory | 0-0-4-2 | EC 106 |
| 3 | EC 301 | Engineering Mathematics III | 3-1-0-4 | EC 201 |
| 3 | EC 302 | Analog and Digital Communication | 3-1-0-4 | EC 202 |
| 3 | EC 303 | Embedded Systems Design | 3-1-0-4 | EC 204 |
| 3 | EC 304 | Signal and System Analysis | 3-1-0-4 | EC 201 |
| 3 | EC 305 | Microcontroller Programming | 3-1-0-4 | EC 103 |
| 3 | EC 306 | Real-Time Operating Systems | 3-1-0-4 | EC 303 |
| 4 | EC 401 | Probability and Statistics | 3-1-0-4 | EC 201 |
| 4 | EC 402 | Wireless Communication Systems | 3-1-0-4 | EC 302 |
| 4 | EC 403 | Sensors and Actuators | 3-1-0-4 | EC 202 |
| 4 | EC 404 | Control Systems | 3-1-0-4 | EC 304 |
| 4 | EC 405 | Advanced Microcontroller Applications | 3-1-0-4 | EC 305 |
| 4 | EC 406 | Embedded System Testing and Validation | 3-1-0-4 | EC 303 |
| 5 | EC 501 | Microcontroller Security | 3-1-0-4 | EC 405 |
| 5 | EC 502 | Power Electronics and Drives | 3-1-0-4 | EC 202 |
| 5 | EC 503 | Internet of Things (IoT) Technologies | 3-1-0-4 | EC 302 |
| 5 | EC 504 | Microcontroller-Based Robotics | 3-1-0-4 | EC 303 |
| 5 | EC 505 | Advanced Embedded Systems | 3-1-0-4 | EC 406 |
| 5 | EC 506 | Capstone Project I | 0-0-6-3 | EC 405 |
| 6 | EC 601 | Advanced Control Systems | 3-1-0-4 | EC 404 |
| 6 | EC 602 | Biomedical Instrumentation | 3-1-0-4 | EC 303 |
| 6 | EC 603 | Smart Grid Technologies | 3-1-0-4 | EC 502 |
| 6 | EC 604 | Automotive Electronics | 3-1-0-4 | EC 503 |
| 6 | EC 605 | Industrial Automation | 3-1-0-4 | EC 504 |
| 6 | EC 606 | Capstone Project II | 0-0-6-3 | EC 505 |
| 7 | EC 701 | Research Methodology | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 7 | EC 702 | Special Topics in Embedded Systems | 3-1-0-4 | EC 605 |
| 7 | EC 703 | Thesis Preparation | 0-0-6-3 | EC 701 |
| 8 | EC 801 | Final Year Project | 0-0-12-6 | EC 703 |
| 8 | EC 802 | Professional Ethics and Social Responsibility | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 8 | EC 803 | Internship | 0-0-12-6 | EC 505 |
Detailed Course Descriptions
The department emphasizes advanced departmental electives that align with industry trends and research directions. Here are descriptions of several key courses:
Microcontroller Security
This course delves into the critical challenges of securing embedded systems, covering topics such as hardware-level security, cryptographic implementations, secure boot processes, and threat modeling for microcontroller-based applications. Students learn to design robust security frameworks that protect against physical attacks, side-channel leaks, and software vulnerabilities.
Power Electronics and Drives
This course explores the principles of power conversion and motor control using microcontroller-based systems. It covers rectifiers, inverters, DC-DC converters, and PWM techniques for controlling electric drives in industrial applications. The course integrates practical lab sessions where students implement power electronics circuits using microcontroller controllers.
Internet of Things (IoT) Technologies
Students are introduced to the architecture, protocols, and standards of IoT systems. Topics include sensor networks, cloud integration, edge computing, data analytics, and privacy considerations. The course emphasizes hands-on development using platforms like ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and Arduino for building scalable IoT applications.
Microcontroller-Based Robotics
This course combines microcontroller programming with robotics fundamentals. Students learn to design and build autonomous robots using sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers. The curriculum includes path planning, obstacle avoidance, motor control, and communication between robot components.
Advanced Embedded Systems
This course explores advanced architectures and optimization techniques in embedded systems. It covers topics such as memory management, performance profiling, real-time scheduling algorithms, and low-power design strategies. Students also study system-on-chip (SoC) integration and heterogeneous computing models.
Research Methodology
This foundational course prepares students for independent research by teaching them how to formulate research questions, conduct literature reviews, design experiments, analyze data, and write technical reports. The course includes guest lectures from leading researchers and practical sessions in lab environments.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department believes in project-based learning as a core pedagogical strategy that bridges theory with practice. Students engage in both mini-projects and final-year thesis projects throughout their academic journey, guided by faculty mentors with industry experience.
Mini-Projects (Semesters 1-5)
These projects are integrated into the curriculum to reinforce learning objectives and encourage experimentation. Each mini-project is assigned a credit value of 2-3 credits and requires students to apply concepts learned in lectures to real-world problems. Mini-projects often involve team collaboration and are evaluated based on design documentation, implementation quality, and presentation skills.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The capstone project is the culmination of the student's academic journey, requiring them to solve a significant problem in microcontroller-based systems. Students work closely with faculty mentors to select a topic, design a solution, implement it using appropriate tools and technologies, and document their findings. The project must demonstrate innovation, technical depth, and practical applicability.
Project Selection Process
Students are encouraged to propose their own project ideas or select from a list of faculty-recommended projects. The selection process involves discussions with potential mentors, review of project feasibility, and alignment with departmental research priorities. Projects are chosen based on relevance to industry needs, available resources, and the student's interests.