Embedded Systems Programming Essentials and Basic Concepts

About Embedded Systems Programming Essentials and Basic Concepts

Why Are Embedded Devices Needed?

Today, there is a growing demand for edge computing devices that perform specific functions efficiently. Traditional large workstations or laptops often become bottlenecks due to:

Their large physical size

High power consumption

Dependence on continuous power supply, making battery operation challenging

Lack of portability and difficulty in quick replacement or swapping

Limited support for low-power communication protocols like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and LoRa Standard PCs and laptops cannot meet these requirements, creating a strong need for compact, energy-efficient hardware capable of running specialized programs. Such embedded devices are essential across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, IoT, smart homes, and medical technology.

Types of Embedded Devices

This course focuses primarily on two categories:

Microcontroller Units (MCUs):

Low-power devices with processors running at lower frequencies, designed for energy-efficient operation. MCUs are found in everyday devices like washing machines, smart TVs, modems, smartphones, credit card readers, smartwatches, and motor control systems.

Microprocessor Units (MPUs):

Higher-performance embedded devices with full-featured processors running at higher frequencies, capable of supporting general-purpose operating systems such as Embedded Linux or QNX.

What to Expect from This Course

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of embedded device architectures, whether MCU or MPU-based. Key learning objectives include:

An overview of the CPU and its associated hardware blocks used to execute program instructions.

Introduction to common peripherals and IP blocks within MCU devices, and their features.

Fundamental concepts such as

interrupts

,

interrupt latency

,

low-power

modes,

embedded C

Programming and other critical building blocks.

Hands-on experience with a functional

Makefile

project, including example programs that you can build, load, and

debug

using the

Keil MDK IDE.

Step-by-step guidance on debugging and memory inspection techniques.

Practical development using the

STM32L4 microcontroller and ARM Cortex-M.

Throughout the course, examples will illustrate concepts discussed during lectures, enhancing your practical skills.

Course Resources

A

Makefile

project template to kickstart your own embedded development

A set of example programs demonstrating microcontroller fundamentals

Complete board documentation for the

STM32L432KC Nucleo board

, including reference manuals and memory maps

Installation guides and download links for required tools and packages Be sure to check the final session for a complete package of resources.

Welcome to the course! Let’s begin building your embedded systems expertise!