After successful completion of the course, students are able to design novel highly-integrated computing nodes and networks of such computing nodes for automation and control tasks. For this, students learn thorough knowledge about modern and cutting-edge software and hardware elements, in particular with respect to their implementation in cyber-physical as well as safe autonomous systems. 

• System Architecture: Definition,  Lecture Scope, Problem Formulation
• System properties: Dependability, Security, Real-Time Response, Maintainability, Cost, etc.
• Practical Examples:
• Overview:  from IT (Office, Datacenter, etc.) to OT (Industrial Automation, Avionics, etc.)
• From Cloud to Fog Computing
• Next Generation Automotive System Architectures
• Technologies on the Rise
• Middleware, e.g., ROS, TTIntegration, CodeSys
• Hypervisors, e.g., PikeOS, LyncSecure, QNX
• Networks, e.g., TSN, OPC UA, DDS
• Theory
• Models of Computation (MoC)
• Time-Triggered Architecture (TTA)
• Physically-Asynchronous Logically-Synchronous Architecture (PALS)
• Globally-Asynchronous Locally-Synchronous (GALS)
• Loosely Time-Triggered Architecture (LTTA)
• A Framework for High-Assurance Quasi-Synchronous Systems (SRI)
• Interface Theory
• Multiple Independent Levels of Safety and Security (MILS) and Distributed MILS

Introductory lectures in the area of basic concepts of system architectures for computing nodes and networks of computing nodes.

Discussion of case studies in the areas of industrial automation, aerospace, as well as the automobile industry. 

Composition of a term paper and its critical discussion with the lecturer.

Lecture slides and additional literature will be provided

Composition of a term paper that shall discuss either (i) an example system architecture or (ii) a particular software or hardware element and it (potential) use in cyber-physical and/or safe autonomous systems. 

Presentation of the term paper and its critical discussion with the lecturer.

Oral examination of the content of the lectures.