Syllabus

The best way to understand what you will learn in this class is to list the labs you will complete and the example projects we will build. You will complete each lab first in simulation and then on the real board. For each module we will design a system and you will build and test a similar system. This 16-week class is now split into two 8-week classes. UT.6.10x Embedded Systems - Shape The World: Microcontroller Input/Output includes Modules 1 to 10. UT.6.20x Embedded Systems - Shape The World: Multi-Threaded Interfacing includes Modules 11 to 16.

Module 1: Welcome and introduction to course and staff

Module 2: Fundamental concepts: numbers, computers, and the ARM Cortex M processor

Example. Develop a system that toggles an LED on the LaunchPad

Lab 2. Run existing project on LaunchPad with switch input and LED output

Module 3: Electronics: resistors, voltage, current and Ohm’s Law

Module 4: Digital Logic: transistors, flip flops and logic functions

Lab 4. Debug a system with two inputs and two outputs

Module 5: Introduction to C programming

Example. Develop a system that inputs and outputs on the serial port

Lab 5. Write a C function and perform input/output on the serial port

Module 6: Microcontroller Input/Output

Example. Develop a system that inputs from a switch and toggles an LED output

Lab 6. Write C software that inputs from a switch and toggles an LED output

Module 7: Design and Development Process

Example. Develop a system that outputs a pattern on an LED

Lab 7. Write C functions that inputs from a switch and outputs to two LEDs, which is a simulated pacemaker

Module 8: Interfacing Switches and LEDs

Example. Design a security system with three switches and one LED

Lab 8. Interface an external switch and LED and write input/output software

Module 9: Arrays and Functional Debugging

Example. Develop a system that debugs by dumping data into an array

Lab 9. Write C functions using array data structures that collect/debug your system

Module 10: Finite State Machines

Example. Develop a simple finite state machine

Example. Develop a vending machine using a finite state machine

Example. Develop a line-tracking robot using a finite state machine

Example. Develop a stepper motor robot using a finite state machine

Lab 10. Interface 3 switches and 6 LEDs and create a traffic light finite state machine

Module 11: UART - The Serial Interface, I/O Synchronization

Example 11. Develop a communication network using the serial port. Two LaunchPads are connected and messages are sent from one to the other.

Lab 11. Write C functions that output decimal and fixed-point numbers to serial port

Module 12: Interrupts

Example 12. Develop a system that outputs a square wave using interrupts

Example 12. Develop a system that inputs from a switch using interrupts

Example 12. Develop a system that outputs to a DC motor that uses pulse width modulation

Lab 12. Design and test a guitar tuner, producing a 440 Hz tone

Module 13: DAC and Sound

Example 13. Develop a system that outputs an analog signal with a R-2R digital to analog converter (DAC). An introduction to the Nyquist Theorem.

Lab 13. Design and test a digital piano, with 4 inputs, digital to analog conversion, and sound

Module 14: ADC and Data Acquisition

Example 14. Develop a system that inputs an analog signal with an analog to digital converter (ADC), discussing the Nyquist Theorem as it applies to ADC sampling.

Example 14. Develop an autonomous robot that uses two DC motors and two distance sensors that drives down the middle of a road

Lab 14. Design and test a position measurement, with analog to digital conversion and calibrated output

Module 15: Systems Approach to Game Design

Lab 15. Design and test a hand-held video game, which integrates all components from previous labs. Lab 15 will be graded by your peers. After you complete your game, you will create a short video that will be viewed by other students.

Module 16: Wireless Communication and the Internet of Things

Lab 16. Connect a CC3100 booster pack to the LaunchPad and communicate with an access point. Students create a smart object that stores information on a central class server. Click on this link to see the class repository.