Internet of Things: Sensing and Actuation From Devices from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome

Course 3 Lecture series

Before jumping into the lab section of this course, we would like to offer you a short lecture series. This lecture series will compliment everything you are about to do for the remainder of the course.

Terminology/Cheat Sheet (Beginner)

In this course, you will see a lot of new words and acronyms you might not be familiar with. If you feel comfortable with your knowledge of tech terminology, feel free to skip these lessons since they will not affect the overall integrity of the course. If you see something that you want to know a little more about, feel free to watch the video to gain insight on some basic concepts. We do expect you to know the majority of this material before going into the next module, we would recommend going through the lessons as a quick brush up.

GPIO Programming

Hello everyone and welcome to GPIO Programming! In order for the DragonBoard™ 410c to interact with the world there has to be an interface between them. For the purpose of this project the GPIO interface will serve as a way to sense and interact with the environment. In this lesson we will talk about General Purpose Input/Output pins and why they are important to this project. We will try to define them as well as provide other resources that could help further explain their purpose. In taking a look at the low speed expansion header on the DragonBoard™ 410c we will locate and explain all other GPIO interfaces. Since only the 12 GPIO will be necessary for this course, most of this lesson will focus on them. Once a greater understanding of the GPIO is achieved we will then access them via command prompt be it through a PC host or on board OS such as Ubuntu. Finally in this lesson we will show you how to make your first program/application capable of controlling a GPIO.

Amplifier Build

Time to build your very own amplifier! In order to interact with a wide variety of components, including many of the components that will be used throughout this course the voltage output from the DragonBoard™ 410c low speed expansion header will need to be amplified. In this lesson we will talk about a very basic voltage amplifier design. This design will be used to boost the signal voltage from the GPIO’s located on the DragonBoard™ 410c low speed expansion header. Once familiar with this basic amplifier, one can make adjustments to create personalized amplifiers geared toward specific future projects.

Stepper Motors

We are all basically made of motors, not really, but most robots are! When working with robotics, motors among several other things are some of the most important components you will chose for a project. In this lesson we will compare a variety of different motors widely used in DIY projects, especially DIY projects centered around robotics. We will take a deeper look at the stepper motor and what they are made of. We will then talk about the H-Bridge integrated circuit chip, why it is necessary for this projects and how it is used. Lastly, this lesson will guide you through the process of building a circuit capable of running a stepper motor. Schematics and code will be provided in order to gain a greater understanding of the stepper motor, as well as to facilitate the step by step instructions found in this lesson's documentation.

LED Block

It was amazing when we turned our first LED on. What if we told you one was just the beginning! In this Module we will manipulate 8x8 LED matrices to execute a variety of custom schemes. We will program and build games, and digital displays that can be used for fun or business. The 8x8 LED matrix is just the beginning. Our code and ultimately our concepts can be applied to larger more intricate projects as you grow your IoT toolbox.

Infrared Sensors

Using sensors that work on the infrared spectrum we can send and receive information. With this knowledge we are ready to program/build a way to use this to our benefit. In this Module you will gain access to code that will allow you take tremendous steps forward in your pursuit to claim of piece of the IoT movement. We are also going talk about the infrared spectrum on a higher level to gain a better understanding of how we are able to use it for these projects. By the end of this Module, you will be able to take a household remote and control various aspects of your DragonBoard™ 410c, especially peripherals through GPIO manipulation.

Bluetooth Remote

If you thought the IR remote module was fun, this will take your wireless control of the DragonBoard™ 410c to a whole new level. Here we will use multiple devices to communicate and control peripherals using Bluetooth. We will walk you through the steps we took in order to send and receive data through the Bluetooth modules on multiple devices. By the end of this module you will be able to control a variety of components (including GPIOs) on your DragonBoard™ 410c from other devices using close range Bluetooth connectivity. We are very excited to share this code with you, and we are even more excited to see all of the cool stuff you will all come up with when you are finished with this Module.

DragonBoard™ 410c Monitoring and Control

Its time to expand on what we did in Course 2! That being said, I am sure you all had a blast creating your server and checking the status of various components on your board. What if I told you we can use some of these ideas to also control peripherals on your board! Well that is exactly what we are going to do in this Module. Its time to mix your software knowledge with your hardware skills to create a system that can both receive and send information using HTTP! Buckle up because we are about to introduce you to a new sensor while also providing you with everything you will need to officially use the internet for controlling your things (IoT pun)!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a solid foundation for learning how physical devices in the real world communicate with Smartphone processors

Taught by instructors with experience in the field

Develops skills in interfacing common sensors and actuators to hardware

Covers topics relevant to mobile-enabled product development

Provides hands-on experience through labs and interactive materials

Requires students to have basic knowledge of tech terminology

Reviews summary

Iot course with good reviews

Students largely praise this beginner-friendly, well-structured course on IoT. They say that it gives a good overview of IoT concepts and applications. The course covers a wide range of topics, including sensor programming and data acquisition. Students also appreciate the clear explanations, engaging assignments, and helpful instructors

Knowledgeable instructors

"Thank you very much"

"Thanks for the course insight, such as"

"clear cut through knowledge."

Enjoyable assignments

"Very nice course"

"Extremely well organized and detailed course."

"helpful"

Great for beginners

"Good Course"

"Excellent Course"

"its interesting to have such experience from this platform"

Covers IoT basics well

"Good overview of IoT concepts."

"An exceptional Course on IOT , covering a vast array of important topics."

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 Internet of Things: Sensing and Actuation From Devices with these activities:

Review of Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog Conversion

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Solidify the understanding of analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Analog-to-digital Conversion

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Review course materials and notes on analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion.

GPIO Programming - Review

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Reinforce understanding of the fundamental concepts of GPIO programming covered in the course.

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Review course notes and materials on GPIO programming.
Go through online tutorials or documentation on GPIO programming.

Actuator Control with Stepper Motors

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Enhance understanding of actuator control by following guided tutorials on stepper motor usage.

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Locate tutorials or documentation on stepper motor control.
Follow the instructions to build a circuit and control a stepper motor.

Four other activities

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Sensor Data Processing Exercises

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Hone the skills of processing sensor data by working through practice problems.

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Solve practice problems on sensor data acquisition and processing.
Implement code solutions to these problems.

LED Matrix Controller

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Apply the knowledge gained on LED block to build a simple project.

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Design the circuit for the LED matrix controller.
Assemble the components and build the circuit.
Develop software to control the LED matrix.
Test and refine the project.

Infrared Sensor Applications Discussion

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Engage in discussions with peers to explore various applications of infrared sensors.

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Participate in online forums or discussion groups on infrared sensor applications.

Assist Students with GPIO Programming

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Reinforce understanding of GPIO programming by assisting other students with their own projects.

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Offer help to peers or junior students who are struggling with GPIO programming concepts.
Answer questions, provide guidance, and share resources.

Career center

Learners who complete Internet of Things: Sensing and Actuation From Devices will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

IoT Engineer

As an IoT Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining IoT systems. IoT systems are systems that connect physical devices to the internet. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of IoT, including topics such as sensors and actuators, data acquisition, and wireless communication. The course will also help you to develop the skills you need to design, build, and maintain IoT systems. If you are interested in a career as an IoT Engineer, this course is for you.

See salaries and explore the career path for IoT Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineer

As an Embedded Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining embedded systems. Embedded systems are computer systems that are designed to be part of a larger system, such as a car or a medical device. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of embedded systems, including topics such as hardware and software design, real-time operating systems, and power management. The course will also help you to develop the skills you need to troubleshoot embedded systems and to create custom applications. If you are interested in a career as an Embedded Systems Engineer, this course is for you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Robotics Engineer

You will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining robots. Your knowledge of stepper motors, digital-to-analog conversion, and the other topics covered in this course will give you a strong foundation for success in this role. The course will also help you develop the skills you need to program robots and create custom applications. If you are interested in a career as a Robotics Engineer, this course is for you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Computer Engineer

As a Computer Engineer, you will design, develop, and test computer systems. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of computer engineering, including topics such as computer architecture, operating systems, and programming languages. The course will also help you to develop the skills you need to design, build, and test computer systems. If you are interested in a career as a Computer Engineer, this course is for you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer

Mechatronics Engineer

As a Mechatronics Engineer, you will combine your knowledge of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and control systems to design, develop, and maintain mechatronic systems. Mechatronic systems are systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, computer, and control systems. The course will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of mechatronics, including topics such as sensors and actuators, data acquisition, and control systems. The course will also help you to develop the skills you need to design and build mechatronic systems. If you are interested in a career as a Mechatronics Engineer, this course is for you.

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Electrical Engineer

As an Electrical Engineer, you will design, develop, and test electrical systems. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrical engineering, including topics such as circuit analysis, electronics, and power systems. The course will also help you to develop the skills you need to design, build, and test electrical systems. If you are interested in a career as an Electrical Engineer, this course is for you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Hardware Engineer

As a Hardware Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing electronic hardware. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of hardware design, such as digital logic, analog circuits, and embedded systems. The course will also help you to develop the skills you need to design and test electronic hardware. If you are interested in a career as a Hardware Engineer, this course is for you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer

Electronics Engineer

As an Electronics Engineer, you will design, develop, and maintain electronic systems for a variety of industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, and manufacturing, and use your knowledge of sensors and actuators to create devices, while your understanding of analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion will be valuable for tasks such as signal processing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

As a Control Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining control systems. Control systems are systems that regulate the behavior of physical systems, such as temperature, pressure, and speed. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of control systems, including topics such as feedback control, PID control, and state-space control. The course will also help you to develop the skills you need to design, build, and maintain control systems. If you are interested in a career as a Control Systems Engineer, this course is for you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Engineer

Automation Engineer

As an Automation Engineer, you will work with electrical and mechanical engineers to develop, install, and maintain automated systems. Using your knowledge of sensors, actuators, and control systems, you will be able to design automation systems that can help improve efficiency and productivity. This course will help you understand the fundamentals of automation, including topics such as PLC programming, motion control, and process control. If you are interested in a career as an Automation Engineer, this course is for you.

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Product Designer

As a Product Designer, you will be responsible for designing and developing new products. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of product design, including topics such as human-computer interaction, product development, and prototyping. The course will also help you to develop the skills you need to design and develop new products. If you are interested in a career as a Product Designer, this course is for you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Industrial Designer

As an Industrial Designer, you will design and develop products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of industrial design, including topics such as human-computer interaction, product development, and prototyping. The course will also help you to develop the skills you need to design and develop new products. If you are interested in a career as an Industrial Designer, this course is for you.

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Systems Analyst

As a Systems Analyst, you will work with businesses to analyze their systems and processes. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of systems analysis, including topics such as requirements gathering, data analysis, and process improvement. The course will also help you to develop the skills you need to analyze systems and develop solutions to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. If you are interested in a career as a Systems Analyst, this course is for you.

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Quality Assurance Tester

As a Quality Assurance Tester, you will be responsible for testing software and hardware products to ensure that they meet quality standards. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of quality assurance, including topics such as testing methodologies, test automation, and defect management. The course will also help you to develop the skills you need to test software and hardware products and to identify and report defects. If you are interested in a career as a Quality Assurance Tester, this course is for you.

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Software Developer

As a Software Developer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. Of particular value to you will be the course topics on analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion. The course also provides a good foundation in programming principles and best practices, which are essential for success in this role. As this course applies programming and software to the world of electronics and gadgets, this may be a good course for someone wishing to work in a subset of software development.

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