Wireless Embedded Systems

Wireless Embedded Systems at the University of California offers a comprehensive program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in the development, deployment, and management of embedded wireless systems. This program focuses on the principles of wireless communication, embedded hardware design, and software development, preparing graduates to innovate in industries such as IoT, telecommunications, robotics, and smart devices. Students will explore topics including sensor networks, real-time operating systems, wireless protocols, security challenges, and energy-efficient system design. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on laboratory exercises, and collaborative projects, participants will gain experience working with the latest technologies and tools used in industry. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, integrating principles from electrical engineering, computer science, and telecommunications. Students will have opportunities to engage in research projects, internships, and industry partnerships, enhancing their practical understanding and professional readiness. The program is suitable for individuals aiming to pursue careers in embedded systems engineering, wireless communication, or related fields. Graduates will be prepared to contribute to the development of innovative wireless solutions that are critical to modern connected devices and systems. With a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and real-world applications, the Wireless Embedded Systems program at UC aims to foster skilled engineers capable of addressing the complex challenges in wireless embedded technology today and in the future.

The program begins Fall quarter and can be completed in two years of consecutive Fall, Winter and Spring quarters; no courses are conducted during the summer. The second year culminates with a team capstone project. The capstone team project (4 units) requires a combination of in-class, laboratory, and off-campus work. It provides an opportunity for students to integrate knowledge acquired over previous quarters in a written report and oral presentation.

Courses

Fall Quarter-Year One

Digital Signal Processing
Review of discrete-time systems and signals, Discrete-Time Fourier Transform and its properties, the Fast Fourier Transform, design of Finite Impulse Response (FIR) and Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filters, implementation of digital filters. Sampling and quantization of baseband signals; A/D and D/A conversion, quantization noise, oversampling and noise shaping.

Winter Quarter-Year One

Introduction to Embedded Systems Design
Embedded system technologies including processors, DSP, memory, and software. System interfacing basics, communication strategies, sensors and actuators. Mobile and wireless technology in embedded systems. Design case studies in wireless, multimedia and/or networking domains.

Spring Quarter-Year One

Software for Embedded Systems
Embedded computing elements, device interfaces, time-critical I/O handling. Embedded software design under size, performance, and reliability constraints. Software timing and functional validation. Programming methods and compilation for embeddable software. Embedded runtime systems. Case studies of real-time software systems.

Wireless Communications Circuit Systems

Link budgets and wireless propagation. Concepts of noise and distortion limits in wireless systems. Review of system architectures and simple modulation and demodulation concepts. Source coding and channel coding. Overview of popular wireless standards.

Fall Quarter-Year Two

Validation and Prototyping of Embedded Systems
Embedded system building blocks including IP cores. Co-simulation. Formal verification using model checking. Verification environments. Test challenges in core integration: compliance, feature, random and collision testing. Core access and test integration. Interface-based verification and standards. 

Digital Communications Systems
Experiments in the modulation and demodulation of baseband and pass-band signals. Statistical characterization of signals and impairments.

Winter Quarter-Year Two

Wireless Embedded Systems on a Chip
VLSI implementations of wireless embedded systems. Architecture Considerations, design techniques for optimized power consumption. Hardware/software tradeoffs.

Digital Communications Systems II
Plan and implement design projects in communications systems: complete end-to-end communications systems project.

Spring Quarter-Year Two

Capstone Project
2-3 person team design project conducted with people who work in the same company, if appropriate. The Capstone design project requires students to demonstrate knowledge gained through the program by designing a device or problem solving of a relevant real-world issue.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or physics
• Undergraduate/post-baccalaureate record (a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the final two years of study)
• Two years of relevant work experience or equivalent
• Completed online application for graduate admission
• Transcripts
• GRE results (for those with fewer than 2 years work experience)
• TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Score (for international applicants only)
• Resume or CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Submit three letters of recommendation
• The application fee is $90.00 for US Citizens and Permanent Residents. The non-refundable fee is payable by credit card through the online application. You may also pay by check, following the instructions in the online application. If you choose to pay by check, please note that your application will not be processed until your check has been received.

Scholarships

• Global Education
• Different Fellowships and Traineeships

Wireless Embedded Systems at the University of California offers a comprehensive program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in the development, deployment, and optimization of wireless embedded devices. The program emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of modern wireless systems, integrating principles from electrical engineering, computer science, and communications engineering. Students gain a thorough understanding of radio frequency design, hardware-software integration, embedded system architecture, and wireless networking protocols.

The curriculum includes core courses in embedded systems, wireless communication principles, sensor networks, and real-time systems. Students also have opportunities to engage in hands-on projects, laboratories, and research initiatives focused on emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), smart devices, and low-power wireless communication. The program prepares graduates for careers in industry, research, and development of wireless embedded solutions for applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, smart cities, and industrial automation.

Faculty members involved in the program are leading experts in wireless communication and embedded systems, providing mentorship and fostering innovation. The program may also include collaborations with technical companies and research institutions, facilitating internships and industry partnerships that enhance practical experience. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to contribute to technological advancements in wireless embedded systems, addressing critical challenges such as power efficiency, security, scalability, and reliability in wireless communication networks.

Students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay current with the latest developments in wireless embedded systems. The program promotes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating hardware design, software development, and system testing to produce well-rounded engineers capable of designing next-generation wireless devices. Overall, the Wireless Embedded Systems program at UC underscores a commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and preparing students for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.