Embedded Systems using the ARM Mbed Platform

This course teaches and walks through the implementation of various interfaces with the ARM mbed platform. The mbed development platform is the fastest way to create products based on ARM microcontrollers. The project is being developed by ARM, its Partners and the contributions of the global mbed Developer Community.

The course is divided into six sections (17 lectures) with each section discussing the theory, programming and lab of each interface. The interfaces taught in this course are

1. LEDs

2. Seven Segment Displays

3. Character LCD (16 x 2)

4. Matrix Keypad

5. Analog Inputs

6. Serial Communication

Candidates who take this course can gain a skill set with which they can design electronic platforms for industry as well as for their personal hobby.

For this course You will need a hardware mbed board called the Freedom KL25Z board from Freescale Semiconductors. You can get more information about the board from

https://mbed dot org/handbook/mbed-FRDM-KL25Z

there are links to purchase the board as well. If you have doubts about ordering the hardware send an email to [email protected]

What's inside

Learning objectives

By the end of this course you will be familiar with the arm mbed platform
You will learn the fundamentals of leds. seven segment displays, lcds, analog and serial interfaces

Basics of c programming

By the end of this course you will be familiar with the arm mbed platform
You will learn the fundamentals of leds. seven segment displays, lcds, analog and serial interfaces
Basics of c programming

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction to the ARM Mbed platform

Introduction to SoC (Systems on Chip)

Introduction to mbed and soc

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides hands-on experience with the ARM mbed platform, which is widely used for rapid prototyping and development of embedded systems

Covers essential interfaces like LEDs, seven-segment displays, LCDs, analog inputs, and serial communication, which are fundamental building blocks in embedded systems design

Requires the Freedom KL25Z board, which may present a barrier to entry for some learners due to the additional hardware costs involved

Teaches C programming basics in the context of embedded systems, which is a valuable skill for interacting with hardware and developing firmware

Includes labs for each interface, offering practical experience in implementing and testing embedded systems concepts on the ARM mbed platform

Explores PWM, which is a technique used in embedded systems for controlling the power supplied to electrical devices by using a digital signal

Reviews summary

Hands-on arm mbed embedded systems intro

According to learners, this course provides a good introduction for those new to embedded systems using the ARM mbed platform. The course relies heavily on practical labs which require purchasing the FRDM-KL25Z hardware board, a necessary upfront investment but essential for hands-on learning. While it offers a solid foundation, students note the course lacks depth on more advanced topics, making it best suited for beginners. Some recent feedback suggests the mbed development environment has evolved, meaning learners might encounter some outdated material and need to adapt during practical exercises. Despite potential hurdles, its hands-on approach is widely appreciated.

Practical labs, some instructions may need work.

"The hands-on labs were very useful for understanding the concepts taught."

"Some of the lab instructions were a bit confusing, I had to figure things out myself."

"I really liked the practical, hands-on nature of the exercises provided."

Excellent as a first step into embedded systems.

"This course is a really good first course if you're new to embedded systems."

"It covers the basics well enough to get you started with the mbed platform."

"I felt comfortable tackling simple embedded projects after taking this."

Tools and platform version may differ.

"The mbed online IDE and environment have changed since the course was filmed."

"Had to spend some time figuring out minor differences in the current online compiler."

"The core concepts are still valid, but the practical setup might require adaptation now."

Covers fundamentals but doesn't go very deep.

"Great for the basics, but I needed more advanced topics that weren't covered here."

"Don't expect expert-level knowledge after this course, it's purely foundational."

"Felt like some of the interfaces could have been explored in much more detail."

Specific board needed is a potential hurdle.

"You absolutely need the FRDM-KL25Z board for the labs to follow along."

"The cost of buying the recommended hardware is an upfront investment to consider."

"Make sure you have the board and drivers ready before starting the course material."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Embedded Systems using the ARM Mbed Platform with these activities:

Review C Programming Fundamentals

Show steps

Strengthen your understanding of C programming concepts, which are essential for programming the ARM mbed platform.

Browse courses on C Programming

Show steps

Review basic syntax and data types.
Practice writing simple C programs.
Study control flow statements (if, else, loops).

Review 'Embedded Systems Architecture' by Tammy Noergaard

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of embedded systems architecture to better grasp the concepts taught in the course.

View Embedded Systems Architecture: A Comprehensive... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters on processor architecture and memory management.
Study the sections on peripheral interfaces and communication protocols.

Implement Basic I/O Operations on a Simulator

Show steps

Practice implementing basic input/output operations using a simulator to reinforce your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

Show steps

Set up a simulator environment for ARM microcontrollers.
Write code to control LEDs, read analog inputs, and send serial data.
Test and debug your code using the simulator.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Document Your Mbed Projects

Show steps

Improve your understanding and retention by documenting your projects, explaining your code, and sharing your insights.

Show steps

Write a detailed description of your project's functionality.
Explain the code you wrote, including comments and explanations.
Create a README file with instructions on how to run your project.

Review 'Designing Embedded Systems with ARM' by Michael Barr

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of embedded systems design principles and best practices.

View Programming Embedded Systems: With C and GNU... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters on hardware design and software development.
Study the sections on debugging techniques and optimization strategies.

Build a Simple Sensor Data Logger

Show steps

Apply your knowledge by building a sensor data logger that reads data from an analog sensor and logs it to a serial port.

Show steps

Connect an analog sensor to the Mbed board.
Write code to read data from the sensor and format it.
Send the data to a serial port for logging.
Implement data storage to an SD card.

Contribute to an Mbed Library

Show steps

Deepen your understanding by contributing to an open-source Mbed library, improving your coding skills and collaborating with other developers.

Show steps

Find an Mbed library on GitHub that you want to contribute to.
Identify a bug or feature request that you can address.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Embedded Systems using the ARM Mbed Platform will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Embedded Systems Engineer

An Embedded Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests embedded systems, which are computer systems with a dedicated function within a larger device. This course helps build a foundation in the practical aspects of embedded systems, specifically using the ARM mbed platform, a widely adopted ecosystem for microcontroller programming. The interfaces covered in the course, such as LEDs, seven segment displays, character LCDs, matrix keypads, analog inputs, and serial communication, are core components in many embedded systems. Familiarity with the ARM mbed platform and the C programming skills developed in the course are particularly relevant to succeeding as an Embedded Systems Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and tests robots and robotic systems. These systems rely heavily on the kind of hardware interfacing taught in this course. The course's hands-on approach to implementing interfaces like LEDs, LCDs, keypads, and serial communication using the ARM mbed platform provides a practical understanding of how these elements interact in a control system. The concepts and skills learned in the course offer a strong basis for those who aspire to become a Robotics Engineer. The projects in the course are useful in building skills required for more complex control processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Firmware Engineer

A Firmware Engineer develops the low-level software that controls the hardware of a device. This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of interacting with hardware through firmware. Using the ARM mbed platform, this course teaches about interfaces like LEDs, seven segment displays, character LCDs, matrix keypads, analog, and serial communication at low levels. These interfaces are regularly encountered by firmware engineers. The hands-on labs in the course provide a practical understanding using C and will help someone interested in pursuing the role of a Firmware Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

A Control Systems Engineer designs and develops systems that regulate the behavior of other devices or processes. This course can help you understand the building blocks of control systems, through use of the ARM mbed platform. The course teaches low-level interfacing, such as with LEDs, LCDs, keypads, and analog and serial communication, which are all fundamental building blocks for control systems. Understanding how to implement these interfaces is crucial for anyone wanting to pursue the role of a Control Systems Engineer. The practical implementation of these interfaces in labs helps build a solid foundation in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Engineer

Mechatronics Engineer

Mechatronics Engineers design and develop electromechanical systems. This course may be useful in the development of these systems. The course's use of the ARM mbed platform allows learners to practically implement interfaces, such as LEDs, seven segment displays, LCDs, matrix keypads, analog inputs, and serial communication. The core components and skills this course teaches are used in many mechatronic systems and will benefit a Mechatronics Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer

Automation Engineer

An Automation Engineer designs, develops, and maintains automated systems. The course can help you understand the hardware details of integrating physical devices. It explores the ARM mbed platform, which is used to program microcontrollers and implement interfaces like LEDs, LCDs, keypads, and other interfaces used in automation. The course will enable any Automation Engineer to learn about low level hardware interactions and gain insights into the building blocks of automated systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automation Engineer

Systems Integrator

A Systems Integrator connects disparate hardware and software systems, ensuring that they function together cohesively. This course can help a systems integrator build a foundation in hardware interfacing. The course focuses on the ARM mbed platform and teaches you how to implement interfaces such as LEDs, seven segment displays, LCDs, keypads, and more. Gaining intimate knowledge of such systems is highly valuable for future Systems Integrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Integrator

Internet of Things Engineer

An Internet of Things Engineer develops, implements and maintains devices that are part of the internet of things. Many of these devices rely on microcontrollers. The course's focus on the ARM mbed platform is highly relevant to this field, since it teaches low-level programming of microcontroller interfaces. This course may be useful in teaching how to manipulate components such as LEDs, LCDs, keypads, and analog and serial communication, all of which are essential in creating IoT devices. The practical experience of building these interfaces will help in the work of an internet of things engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Internet of Things Engineer

Computer Engineer

A Computer Engineer works in the field of computer hardware and software. This course can serve as an introduction to hardware interfacing. The course utilizes the ARM mbed platform to teach how to interact with hardware components at a low level. This course also covers various interfaces, like LEDs, seven segment displays, LCDs, keypads, and more. Computer engineers benefit from hands-on experience in both software and hardware, and this course provides a good starting point for the latter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer

Product Development Engineer

A Product Development Engineer is involved in the process of bringing new products to market. This course may be useful in understanding the hardware aspects of product development, through the use of the ARM mbed platform. The course teaches practical skills related to implementing electronic interfaces. Such interfaces are integral parts of larger products, and understanding how to work with parts like LEDs, LCDs, keypads, and analog and serial communication helps a Product Development Engineer appreciate the low-level details behind product design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Development Engineer

Hardware Engineer

A Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests the physical components of a computer device. This course may be useful in providing background on the hardware interfaces. The course focuses on the practical implementation of various interfaces, such as LEDs, seven segment displays, LCDs, and more. Understanding how these components function at a fundamental level, through the ARM mbed platform, can help a hardware engineer understand how hardware interfaces interact with the software they work with. This knowledge is valuable to a hardware engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs and develops electrical systems and components. Although the role is broader, this course may be useful as a way to learn practical interfacing of embedded systems. The course's focus on the ARM mbed platform offers an introduction to the practical implementation of various hardware interfaces (such as LEDs, seven segment displays, character LCDs, matrix keypads, analog inputs, and serial communication). The work covered in this course will give an Electrical Engineer a better understanding of the interface between hardware and software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Instrumentation Engineer

An Instrumentation Engineer develops and maintains measurement and control systems, including sensors and transducers. This course may provide a practical application of working with the sensors and transducers that are used in the field. The course covers interfacing with analog inputs and serial communication, which are important for working with sensors on the ARM mbed platform. An Instrumentation Engineer may find that the course provides a foundation in low level hardware interfacing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instrumentation Engineer

Test Engineer

A Test Engineer designs, implements, and executes tests to verify the functionality and performance of products. This course may be useful to understand how to test the firmware. The course’s emphasis on the ARM mbed platform provides an understanding of the practical aspects of embedded systems. The course also teaches about interfaces like LEDs, LCDs, keypads, and serial communication, all of which would be useful for testing the products containing these interfaces. The practical lab work included in this course will be helpful to a test engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Test Engineer

Research Scientist

A Research Scientist investigates and experiments to advance scientific knowledge in their discipline. This course may be helpful for those involved with hardware research. The experience of working with the ARM mbed platform and learning to interface with hardware like LEDs, LCDs, and keypads can be useful for those working on research projects that require hardware interaction. The practical skills taught in this course can be valuable to a Research Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Embedded Systems using the ARM Mbed Platform.

Programming Embedded Systems

Save

Provides a practical guide to designing embedded systems using ARM processors. It covers topics such as hardware design, software development, and debugging techniques. It valuable resource for those who want to learn how to design and build their own embedded systems. This book provides additional depth to the course and is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

Programming Embedded Systems: With C and GNU...

Kindle Edition

Embedded Systems Architecture

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of embedded systems architecture, covering topics such as processors, memory, and peripherals. It valuable resource for understanding the underlying hardware and software components of embedded systems. While not specific to ARM mbed, it provides a strong foundation for working with any embedded platform. It is particularly useful for those with limited prior experience in embedded systems.

Embedded Systems Architecture: A Comprehensive...

Paperback

$$$$