The Complete Bluetooth / IoT Design Course for iOS from Udemy

This course leads students through the complete process of designing and building a Bluetooth™-enabled iOS application that connects to an embedded ARM Cortex M3 micro-controller running a real-time operating system. The embedded micro-controller is used to drive up to two strings of 60 RGB LEDs (120 LEDs maximum); the IOS application connects to the micro-controller to control the colour of the LEDs. An ambient light sensor provides the means to control the on/off state of the LEDs based on the light level.

The course avoids the use of pre-supplied libraries and drivers thus exposing students to deep detail on how the technology actually works. For iOS, using the Swift programming language, students design and implement a state-machine approach for the Bluetooth™ interface as a component of a model-view-controller (MVC) application architecture. The embedded micro-controller application is developed using the C programming language running on top of the TI-RTOS real-time operating system. To design the LED driver code, students start with the LED data sheet and, from this, develop the requirements for the micro-controller's Synchronous Serial Interface (SSI) and Direct Memory Access (DMA) peripherals both of which are programmed at the register level. The ambient light sensor provides students with the opportunity to learn how the micro-controller's Analogue-to-Digital Converter (ADC) peripheral works and how it is programmed.

The course is appropriate for students with a basic understanding of C and Swift; students will need to have a functional iOS programming environment using Xcode.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Front-to-back (ios-to-embedded) design process for bluetooth™/iot solutions
How to design a bluetooth™ enabled ios application
How to implement custom ui controls with gesture support
How to implement apple interoperability requirements for embedded bluetooth™ micro-controllers
Programming an arm cortex-m3 embedded device

Programming in a real-time os (rtos) environment
Designing a device driver from the data sheet up; control it from ios
Programming a direct memory access controller (dmac)
Programming high-speed serial interface

Front-to-back (ios-to-embedded) design process for bluetooth™/iot solutions
How to design a bluetooth™ enabled ios application
How to implement custom ui controls with gesture support
How to implement apple interoperability requirements for embedded bluetooth™ micro-controllers
Programming an arm cortex-m3 embedded device
Programming in a real-time os (rtos) environment
Designing a device driver from the data sheet up; control it from ios
Programming a direct memory access controller (dmac)
Programming high-speed serial interface

Syllabus

Course Introduction

Important update March 2024

Introduction

Debugging with CCS

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and possible dealbreakers

Covers the complete design process from iOS application development to embedded ARM Cortex-M3 micro-controller programming, offering a comprehensive learning experience

Involves programming at the register level, which provides a deep understanding of how micro-controller peripherals like SSI, DMA, and ADC work

Features hands-on experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) using TI-RTOS, which is valuable for embedded systems development

Teaches how to implement a state-machine approach for Bluetooth™ interface within a model-view-controller (MVC) application architecture using Swift

Requires an Apple Developer License, which may present a barrier to entry for some students interested in exploring iOS development

Requires specific hardware, including a LaunchPad, which may not be readily available and could pose an additional cost

Reviews summary

Deep dive bluetooth/iot for ios/embedded

learners say this course provides a deep dive into building Bluetooth/IoT solutions for iOS and embedded ARM. It uniquely avoids libraries, focusing on register-level programming from datasheets for peripherals (SSI, DMA, ADC). Covering the full stack from iOS Swift to embedded C/RTOS, it's a project-based approach (LED control). While offering practical skills, the material is considered challenging, likely for intermediate/advanced learners. Prerequisites might be understated. The syllabus mentions a recent March 2024 update. Best for those wanting deep, low-level understanding.

Centers on TI LaunchPad, TI-RTOS, and associated tools.

"The focus on the TI platform was perfect for my needs."

"Be aware you'll need specific TI hardware and software setups."

"Wish the concepts were presented in a more platform-agnostic way, but the deep dive required a specific target."

Teaches low-level hardware programming.

"I really appreciated learning how to program registers directly."

"Avoiding libraries forced me to understand the underlying mechanisms."

"The detail on datasheets and register maps was incredibly useful."

Course includes recent material updates.

"It's great that the instructor keeps the course content current."

"The mention of a March 2024 update is reassuring for a tech course."

"Feels up-to-date, unlike some older IoT courses I've seen."

Hands-on project to build a functional system.

"Building the LED control system step-by-step was the best way to learn."

"The hands-on labs applying concepts were very effective."

"Having a concrete project to work on kept me engaged."

Connects iOS app with custom embedded hardware.

"Seeing the entire solution from iOS UI down to microcontroller GPIO was eye-opening."

"The integration between the mobile app and embedded device was well explained."

"This course gave me a complete picture of an IoT system."

Requires strong technical background for success.

"Felt the 'basic C and Swift' prerequisite was a bit understated; prior embedded experience helps a lot."

"This course is definitely not for beginners, you need to be comfortable with low-level concepts."

"Be prepared for a steep learning curve if you lack embedded or RTOS experience."

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 The Complete Bluetooth / IoT Design Course for iOS with these activities:

Review C Programming Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of C programming concepts, which are essential for the embedded systems portion of the course.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Review data types, pointers, and memory management in C.
Practice writing simple C programs to control hardware peripherals.

Brush Up on Swift Programming

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Strengthen your Swift skills, as the iOS application development relies heavily on this language.

Browse courses on Swift Programming

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Review Swift syntax, data structures, and control flow.
Practice building basic iOS applications with UI elements.

Review 'Bluetooth Essentials for Programmers'

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Gain a deeper understanding of Bluetooth technology and its underlying protocols.

View Bluetooth Essentials for Programmers on Amazon

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Read the chapters on Bluetooth architecture and protocols.
Focus on the sections related to GATT and GAP profiles.

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Simple Bluetooth Communication App

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Apply your knowledge by building a basic Bluetooth communication app for iOS that interacts with a simulated embedded device.

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Create a simple iOS app that can scan for Bluetooth devices.
Establish a connection with a simulated Bluetooth device.
Send and receive data between the iOS app and the simulated device.

Review 'Real-Time Operating Systems, Book 1: The Theory'

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Deepen your understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS) concepts.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the chapters on task scheduling and synchronization.
Focus on the sections related to memory management in RTOS.

Explore TI-RTOS Examples

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Gain practical experience with TI-RTOS by working through example projects and tutorials provided by Texas Instruments.

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Download and install the TI-RTOS SDK.
Explore the example projects related to task management and inter-process communication.
Modify the examples to experiment with different RTOS features.

Document Your Learning Journey

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Reinforce your understanding by creating a blog or journal documenting your experiences and insights gained throughout the course.

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Create a blog or journal to document your learning process.
Summarize key concepts and challenges encountered in each module.
Share your insights and code snippets with other learners.

Contribute to an IoT Project

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Apply your skills by contributing to an open-source IoT project that utilizes Bluetooth communication and embedded systems.

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Find an open-source IoT project that aligns with your interests.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes, documentation, or new features.
Submit your contributions to the project and participate in code reviews.

Career center

Learners who complete The Complete Bluetooth / IoT Design Course for iOS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Embedded Systems Engineer

An Embedded Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests software for embedded systems, often involving microcontrollers and real-time operating systems. This course fits perfectly for aspiring embedded systems engineers since it provides hands-on experience with ARM Cortex-M3 microcontrollers, real time operating systems, and device driver development. The course specifically covers programming peripherals at the register level such as the Synchronous Serial Interface, Direct Memory Access controller, and Analogue to Digital converter. The course's emphasis on avoiding pre-supplied drivers forces students to deeply understand how hardware and software interact, a crucial skill for an embedded systems engineer. The deep dive into technologies such as Bluetooth and the design of a LED driver will give you a practical skillset for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Internet of Things Engineer

An Internet of Things Engineer specializes in designing and developing connected devices that utilize various communication protocols such as Bluetooth. This course is directly relevant as it covers the full stack of an IoT system: from the embedded ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller and its real time operating system to the iOS application which controls it over Bluetooth. The course teaches how to design a Bluetooth enabled iOS application, implement custom user interface controls, implement Apple interoperability requirements for embedded controllers, and program an ARM Cortex-M3. These skills are essential for an Internet of Things engineer, as the course provides a blueprint for building a practical, real-world IoT system. The practical design experience, especially working with Bluetooth, will directly translate to success in this role.

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

Bluetooth Developer

A Bluetooth Developer is a specialist in technologies that communicate using the Bluetooth standard, creating software for devices that communicate wirelessly. This course is an excellent fit as it provides practical experience in Bluetooth communications between an iOS application and an embedded micro-controller. It teaches the Generic Access Profile and Generic Attribute Profile, and covers how to implement Apple interoperability requirements for embedded Bluetooth microcontrollers. The course also has a deep focus on the lower-level aspects of Bluetooth such as advertising, scanning, and connecting. The course offers hands-on experience from the design to implementation, which is highly relevant to a Bluetooth Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bluetooth Developer

Firmware Engineer

A Firmware Engineer develops low-level software that controls the hardware of embedded devices. This course helps those aspiring to be firmware engineers by providing core skills for low level programming of microcontrollers and their peripherals. You learn how to program an ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller, work within a real time operating system (RTOS), and design device drivers from datasheets. The hands on experience of programming the peripheral registers and implementing the software logic for controlling hardware devices makes this course uniquely valuable. This is a necessary skill in the profession of a firmware engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer

Mobile Application Developer

A Mobile Application Developer builds and maintains software applications for mobile devices, often focusing on a particular platform such as iOS. This course provides foundational knowledge for a mobile application developer, focusing on the iOS side of a Bluetooth communication system. Students will learn how to design and implement a state-machine approach for the Bluetooth interface, using the Swift programming language and following a model-view-controller architecture. Building a complete application, including state management, connecting, publishing, and writing characteristics to peripherals will improve the skillset as a mobile app developer. Working with CoreBluetooth classes and dealing with peripherals will be very useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Application Developer

Computer Engineer

A Computer Engineer is trained in both electrical engineering and computer science, focusing on hardware systems and software interaction. This course would be very useful for a computer engineer due to its focus on embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and low-level hardware programming. The course directly addresses the interface between hardware and software, teaching how to program peripherals, work with memory management, and program in an RTOS, all of which are standard training in the computer engineering discipline. The hands on approach is very relevant to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer

Technical Consultant

A Technical Consultant provides expert advice on technology solutions. This course may help a technical consultant through its breadth of information on embedded systems, iOS application development, and IoT technologies. It provides a practical understanding of the challenges and solutions involved in building an integrated system, which is useful in consultation. The course's coverage of the full stack of an IoT system, from the microcontroller to the iOS application, will broaden technical skills useful for consultations in areas of IoT. The design and implementation of a practical project is valuable experience for a technical consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Consultant

Applications Engineer

An Applications Engineer works with clients or other engineers to provide support for technical products, often related to software. This course might be useful as it provides insights into the nuts and bolts of embedded software. Understanding how hardware and software interact will be useful to help clients and other engineers when an application interfaces with embedded hardware. This course looks at the full range of a hardware and software system, including design of device drivers, real-time operating systems, and iOS applications, which is beneficial to an applications engineer in the embedded space.

See salaries and explore the career path for Applications Engineer

Hardware Engineer

A Hardware Engineer designs physical hardware systems and components. While this course focuses on the software side, it offers valuable insights into how hardware interacts with software, which is an essential perspective for a Hardware Engineer. The course's in depth exploration of the ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller, its peripherals, and how these are controlled at the register level provides a working knowledge of system design that is applicable to all hardware. Understanding how a device driver is created for hardware components is valuable and helps bridge the gap between hardware and software engineering. This course may be useful for gaining a better understanding of system design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer

Systems Architect

A Systems Architect designs and plans complex hardware and software systems. This course will help a systems architect by exploring a wide range of system components, from embedded hardware and real time operating systems to iOS software running on mobile. The knowledge of the full stack of the system is useful in the planning and design phases, while designing a functional, complete system helps you understand the interactions between different components. This course might be useful to see how a system is built from the ground up.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. While broad, this course provides valuable skills in real-time programming, state machine design, and low-level hardware interaction that many software engineers encounter. This course may help you if you are looking to broaden your understanding of systems that interface with hardware. The course’s coverage of the Model-View-Controller architecture for iOS, and its approach for state machine design are useful for modern software engineering. The experience of working with different programming languages like Swift and C, as well as different operating systems such as iOS and TI-RTOS will be beneficial.

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Research and Development Engineer

A Research and Development Engineer explores new technologies and creates innovative solutions. This course could benefit a research and development engineer, especially if they are working with IoT or embedded systems. The hands on approach of the course, where you design and implement a complete system from the bottom up is useful for anyone working in R&D. The experience of designing drivers directly from datasheets, working with peripherals at the register level, and using a real time operating system is great experience for an R&D environment. This course may be useful for a R&D engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research and Development Engineer

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs and develops electrical systems and components. While this course leans towards the software aspects, it provides useful context on how software interacts with hardware. An electrical engineer might be working on control systems and embedded logic, and this course's design and implementation of device drivers would be very relevant. The course's focus on hardware peripherals at the register level provides a useful perspective for an electrical engineer. This course may be useful to an electrical engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and maintains robots. This course might be useful if the robot is controlled through Bluetooth and contains an operating system, as this course has training in both of these. The course focuses on embedded systems, microcontrollers, and real-time programming, all common in robotics. This course covers the interaction between hardware and software, and it would be particularly relevant to robots that use bluetooth for communication. This course may be useful to a roboticist.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager guides the development and launch of new products. This course provides a solid technical foundation and understanding of the development process for connected hardware devices and mobile applications. The course shows the full stack, from the embedded microcontroller to the mobile app, and will give product managers a grasp of the technical components involved. An understanding of development timelines can be gained from this course, specifically in the embedded and mobile app space. This course may be useful for a product manager, especially if their product is in the IoT or embedded space.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

The Complete Bluetooth / IoT Design Course for iOS

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Deep dive bluetooth/iot for ios/embedded

Activities

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