16-850 Systems Engineering
12 units, Carnegie Mellon University
Systems Engineering is a multidisciplinary approach and means of creating complex devices and systems. It recognizes that hardware and software and the operating environment are interrelated in the process of creating complex systems. How do we trade off hardware "apples" and software "oranges"? What methods and tools can we apply to help make wise decisions? To create effective systems we must recognize and consider many perspectives, issues, and disciplines simultaneously. In this course our focus is on systems of hardware and software components engineered to perform complex behavior. Such systems embed computing elements, integrate sensors and actuators, operate in a reliable and timely fashion, and demand rigorous engineering from conception through production. Applications of robotics technology will be used to illustrate applications and the challenges in engineering complex systems. Concepts, problems, and methods of systems engineering are introduced and discussed in lectures and developed in assignments. Case studies and guest lectures present best practice in the field. Readings from current literature will tie theory to practical methods of creating complex devices. Students gain practical experience through a highly-structured small group project that will run the entire semester. We will progress through systems engineering processes of analysis, design, implementation, and deployment with parallel consideration of testing and evaluation. Past projects have used the Pittsburgh Children's Museum as context where we have collaborated to create and deploy interactive exhibits within the museum. This course should be appropriate for graduate students in engineering, sciences and design and for advanced undergraduates with the permission of the instructor. Class size will be limited.
Prerequisites: none listed
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