Hardware and Software Requirements
Some online MS-ECE specializations require additional hardware and/or software beyond standard computing requirements.
ÌýÌýNote: This page lists only specializations with specific hardware or software requirements. If your specialization is not listed here, it does not require additional hardware or software beyond standard computing needs.
ÌýÌýComputer Engineering / Embedded Systems Engineering
Advanced Embedded Linux Development Specialization
Courses: ECEA 5305, ECEA 5306, ECEA 5307
ÌýÌýNote: Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is not supported for ECEA 5306.
Hardware (Required)
- Computer
- Intel architecture
- Able to run the required Linux development tools
- Operating systems
- Ubuntu 22.04 (64-bit)
- Ubuntu 20.04 (64-bit)
- Memory (RAM)
- At least 8 GB (recommended)
- Disk Space
- At least 200 GB free (recommended)
Hardware (Recommended)
- Use of real embedded hardware is recommended
- Supported platforms include Raspberry Pi (including Raspberry Pi 4)
Software
- Environment setup instructions are provided in ECEA 5305.
Course Syllabi
- ECEA 5305 Linux System Programming and Introduction to Buildroot (1 credit)
- ECEA 5306ÌýLinux Kernel Programming and Introduction to Yocto (1 credit)
- ECEA 5307ÌýEmbedded System Topics and Project (1 credit)
Real-Time Embedded Systems Specialization
Courses: ECEA 5315, ECEA 5316, ECEA 5317, ECEA 5318
Note: All starter code for this specialization is tested on the Raspberry Pi 3B+ with Raspberry Pi OS.
Hardware (Required)
- Windows or Mac computer (for Raspberry Pi remote access)
- Home network with internet access (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
- SSH enabled on the Raspberry Pi
- Embedded Linux hardware platform (Raspberry Pi 3B+ or equivalent)
- MicroSD card (16 GB minimum; 32 GB recommended)
- 5V / 2.5A power supply with switch
- UVC-compatible USB camera (USB 2.0 or better)
- HDMI cable
- HDMI monitor + keyboard + mouse (initial setup only)
Hardware (Recommended)
- VNC enabled on the Raspberry Pi (optional, for remote desktop access)
Software
- MobaXterm (recommended for Windows)
- PuTTY
- VNC Viewer
Course Syllabi
- ECEA 5315 Concept and Practices (0.6 credits)
- ECEA 5316 Theory and Analysis (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5317 Mission-Critical, SW Applications (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5318 Real-Time Embedded Systems Project (0.8 credits)
EmbeddingÌýSensors and Motors Specialization
Courses: ECEA 5340, ECEA 5341, ECEA 5342, ECEA 5343
Note: We encourage you to order early to ensure you have the right parts before assignments begin.
Hardware (Required)Ìý
- Breadboard
- Wire (various gauges and lengths)
Hardware (Recommended)
- Oscilloscope (Suggested Model):
- Alternative Options:
Software
- None
Course Syllabi
- ECEA 5340 Sensors and Sensor Circuit Design(0.8 credits)
- ECEAÌý5341 Motors and Motor Control CircuitsÌý(0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5342 Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors(0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5343 Sensor Manufacturing and Process ControlÌý(0.6 credits)
FPGA Design for Embedded Systems Specialization
Courses: ECEA 5360, ECEA 5361, ECEA 5362, ECEA 5363
ÌýÌýNote: The DE10-Lite board is required for ECEA 5363 only.Ìý
Hardware (Required)
- Computer (able to run the required FPGA development tools)
- Operating systems:
- Windows 10 or 11
- Recent Linux OS (for example RHEL 6.5, CentOS 6.5 or later)
- Memory (RAM): at least 8 GB
- Disk Space: at least 20 GB free
Hardware (Recommended)
Bill of Materials (BOM)
Software
- Quartus Prime Lite Edition 16.1
- ModelSim Intel FPGA Edition 16.1
- Quartus Programmer and device support files (MAX 10 and Cyclone device families)
Course Syllabi
- ECEA 5360 Introduction to FPGA Design for Embedded Systems (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5361 Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design (0.8Ìýcredits)
- ECEA 5362 FPGA Softcore Processors and IP Acquisition (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5363 Building FPGA Projects (0.6Ìýcredits)
Ìý Power Electronics
Power Electronics courses typically do not require hardware. Some courses use LTspice, a free circuit simulation software from Analog Devices. Course-specific details will be provided within each course.
Software
- (free)
Photovoltaic Power Electronics Specialization
Courses: ECEA 5716, ECEA 5717, ECEA 5718
ÌýÌýNote: The BOM includes a 12 V deep-discharge lead-acid battery (12 V, 6 Ah, sealed AGM). The department cannot ship this battery, so you will need to order it directly via the .
Component availability may vary, and functionally equivalent substitute parts may be used.
Hardware (Required)
- (ECEE E-Store)
- Basic tools:
- Soldering iron and solder
- Diagonal cutters
- Needle-nose pliers
- Test equipment:
- Two-channel oscilloscope
- DC power supply (0–30 V, 0–5 A, current limiting required)
- Multimeters (at least 3)
- Inductance meter or analyzer
- Network analyzer (Bode plot magnitude and phase). Required in ECEA 5717.
Hardware (Recommended)
- Digilent Analog Discovery 3 (AD3)
Bill of Materials (BOM)
Software
- None
Course Syllabi
- ECEA 5716 Open-Loop Photovoltaic Power Electronics Laboratory (1 credit) - Same as ECEA 5005
- ECEA 5717 Closed-Loop Photovoltaic Power Electronics Laboratory (1 credit) - Same as ECEA 5006
- ECEA 5718 Photovoltaic Power Electronics Battery Management Laboratory (1 credit)
Ìý Photonics and Optics
Photonics and Optics courses typically do not require hardware. Some courses use OpticStudio (Zemax) for optical design and simulation. Course-specific access instructions will be provided within each course.
Software
- (Zemax)