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Arduino under the Hood - AVR for Professionals

Dr. Alexander Fell

As one of the most extensive courses available: we will look at everything and more under the hood of Arduino. At its core, the ATmega328P MCU integrates many features that are not exposed through the Arduino library. While learning how the periphery works, the student writes code, exhibiting high performance at low power consumption. Embedded systems deployed in the field and powered by small batteries can run and collect data for years.

Read more

As one of the most extensive courses available: we will look at everything and more under the hood of Arduino. At its core, the ATmega328P MCU integrates many features that are not exposed through the Arduino library. While learning how the periphery works, the student writes code, exhibiting high performance at low power consumption. Embedded systems deployed in the field and powered by small batteries can run and collect data for years.

The enormous advantage of the AVR platform is that many concepts introduced in this course also apply to other MCUs. Therefore, an entire portfolio of MCUs, ranging from the small ATtiny to the larger ATmega series, becomes accessible. The ATmega328P used in this course is just an example and the gained knowledge is applicable to many embedded systems not limited to the Arduino platform. This is motivated by practical sessions and exercises in which real-world problems are to be solved. In case questions during implementation arise, the student can peek at hints and tips and if nothing works, also at the solutions with plenty of comments in the source code.

This course provides handmade captions in English covering the following topics, which focus on the practical aspects and what a concept can be used for. In addition, the course does not follow a particular outline and the topics can be taken in any order based on the interest and needs. The covered topics include:

  1. GNU Compiler Collection and what happens in every Step and why

  2. A brief introduction to C and Pointers

  3. Moving from the Arduino library to AVR: Less Luxury, faster Execution, fewer Resources

  4. How to compile with Makefiles? Targets, Rules, and Shortcuts

  5. Easy Mistakes in C and how to avoid them

    1. Attack Vectors

  6. Peripheries:

    1. Timers, Counters, and Pulse Width Modulation

    2. Interrupts

  7. Communication Protocols

    1. UART/USART

    2. I2C/TWI

    3. SPI

    4. DHT and 1-Wire

    5. USI

    6. How to mimic other, formerly incompatible, and unsupported Protocols?

  8. Analog-Digital Converter

    1. How does it work?

    2. Measuring the Temperature without external Components

    3. Measuring Battery Level with the ADC

  9. Analog Comparator

  10. Non-volatile Memories

    1. Flash

      1. How to use the Flash (Program Memory) for Constants?

      2. How to use the Flash while executing a Program?

    2. EEPROM

    3. Fuses

      1. Clock Sources

      2. Lock Bits

      3. Debugging

  11. Running the AVR on a Breadboard

  12. Saving power

    1. Sleeping

    2. Dynamic Clock Frequency

    3. Turning off unnecessary Components

    4. Wake-up Sources

  13. Debugging (with practical examples)

    1. Simulators

    2. JTAG

    3. debugWIRE

  14. Bonus Chapter: Parallel Task Execution

After completing this course, the successful student will have the experience not only to evaluate existing software but also create implementations that are highly optimized to be deployed on small microcontrollers to squeeze out every quantum of performance and battery life.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Program and software optimizations to reduce power consumption
  • Stripping away the arduino library, how does the atmega work under the hood?
  • All peripherals: timers, watchdog, reset, brown-out, clock manipulation registers, adc, temperatur sensor (built in), etc.
  • Effective computing for embedded systems and the arduino platform
  • Pointers to registers in c: an easy guide, on how to access registers. make your code efficient.
  • Steps in the gnu compiler chain: the journey from the source code to the executable
  • Ease the compilation process: what are makefiles and how to use them?
  • Communciation protocols (twi/i2c, spi u(s)art, debugwire, bit banging) of embedded systems: how does the mcu communicate and how to configure it?
  • How to debug the avr using debugwire? (how to read the register contents, step through the program?)
  • What is the purpose of the boot loader? how to programming the avr using without it? (through isp)
  • Protect your intellectual property (ip): fuses and locks of the avr
  • Develop proficiency in your embedded development skills and confidently take the next steps.
  • The documentation is thick, but not scary. learn how to get the information that you need.
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Welcome to your new course and thank you for your purchase. In this chapter we will go through the requirements that you need to solve the practical exercises.
Read more
Welcome!
Updates on Social Media
Bonus Chapter
This section provides students with a short overview about the compilation process. What is the path of the source code to become an executable binary?
Introduction
The Preprocessor
The Debugger
The Compiler
The Assembler
The Linker
Exercise: The AVR Library
The Object Copy
The Uploader
Summary
EXP42-C (Do not compare padding Data)
Exercise
This section covers the basics of C. It is assumed that you already have a working knowledge of C. In case you are not sure, have a look at this session. Maybe it can jump your memory.
Basic Types and Control Flow
Automatically decide, what source code needs to be recompiled.
Arrays and Pointers
Exercise: String Concatenation
Enum, Union, and Struct
Exercises: Type Sizes
The Enum, Union, and Struct
Call by Value/Reference
Exercise: Call by Value/Reference
In this section optimize the Blink program as an example. It is the first step to move from the Arduino library to the underlying AVR library enabling us to write efficient programs for the ATmega328.
Arduino -> AVR
How does a Pin work internally?
Why Makefile? Its Basics
Memory Space, Registers, and Pointers
Exercise: Memory Space, Registers, and Pointers
The AVR Library
Let's cook Biryani - A practical and tasty Example for Makefiles
The AVR-GCC
STR31-C (Storage for Strings has sufficient Space for Data and NULL)
Where is the main() and #include directives?
Exercise: Makefile and Blink using only the AVR Library
Uploading using AVRDUDE
Exercise: Makefile and Upload
Normal Mode
In C the developer is responsible of the memory management. This opens up the opportunity to introduce bugs unintentionally, which can be avoided easily.
Classic Example: Buffer Overflow
Buffer Overflow Demo and Introduction into GDB
Buffer Overflow Mitigation
Exercise: Unsafe printf?
Exercise: Buffer Overflow and GDB
SEI CERT C/C++ Coding Standard
DCL30-C (Declare Objects with Appropriate Storage Durations)
MEM30-C (Do not access freed Memory)
Exercise: DCL30-C (Declare Objects with Appropriate Storage Durations)
EXP33-C (Do not read uninitialized Memory)
EXP34-C (Do not dereference NULL Pointers)
Clear Timer on Compare Match (CTC) Mode
FIO47-C (Use valid Format Strings)
ENV33-C (Do not call system())
Differences of the Timers and the Input Capture Unit
MSC30-C/MSC32-C (Pseudorandom Number Generators)
FLP30-C (Do not use Floating-Point Variables as Loop Counters)
Exercise: Clear Timer on Compare Match (CTC) Mode
Timers, Counters, and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)
Introduction into Timers/Counters
Timer Clocks and Prescalers (CSn2:0), Tn and TOSC pins
Fast Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
Exercise: Fast Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
Phase Correct Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
Phase and Frequency Correct Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
Timer Modes

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on practical aspects of embedded systems and their applications, which is highly relevant for engineers working in the field
Explores the ATmega328P MCU in depth, which allows engineers to optimize code for low power consumption in battery-powered devices
Covers debugging techniques using simulators, JTAG, and debugWIRE, which are essential skills for embedded systems development
Teaches how to use Makefiles for compiling, which is a standard practice in professional embedded development environments
Requires a working knowledge of C, which may necessitate additional preparation for some learners without prior experience
Examines potential security vulnerabilities like buffer overflows, which are important considerations for secure embedded systems design

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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 Arduino under the Hood - AVR for Professionals with these activities:
Review C Pointers
Reinforce your understanding of C pointers, which are essential for working with memory and registers directly in AVR microcontrollers.
Browse courses on Pointers
Show steps
  • Read a tutorial on C pointers.
  • Write code that uses pointers.
  • Debug pointer-related errors.
Review 'Make: AVR Programming'
Deepen your understanding of AVR programming concepts and techniques.
View AVR Programming: Learning to Write Software for... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book's chapters on timers and interrupts.
  • Implement the examples in the book.
  • Experiment with different AVR configurations.
Implement communication protocols
Practice implementing UART, SPI, and I2C communication protocols on an AVR microcontroller to solidify your understanding of these essential concepts.
Show steps
  • Set up a development environment.
  • Write code to transmit and receive data.
  • Debug communication errors.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Write a blog post on AVR debugging
Share your knowledge of AVR debugging techniques by writing a blog post that covers common debugging tools and strategies.
Show steps
  • Research AVR debugging methods.
  • Write the blog post.
  • Publish the blog post online.
Build a custom bootloader
Create a custom bootloader for an AVR microcontroller to gain a deeper understanding of memory organization, interrupt handling, and flash programming.
Show steps
  • Research bootloader concepts.
  • Write the bootloader code.
  • Test and debug the bootloader.
Review 'Programming Embedded Systems'
Expand your knowledge of embedded systems programming principles and best practices.
View Programming Embedded Systems: With C and GNU... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book's chapters on memory management and interrupts.
  • Implement the examples in the book.
  • Apply the concepts to AVR projects.
Contribute to an AVR open source project
Contribute to an open-source project that uses AVR microcontrollers to gain practical experience and collaborate with other developers.
Show steps
  • Find an AVR open source project.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Submit a pull request.

Career center

Learners who complete Arduino under the Hood - AVR for Professionals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Embedded Systems Engineer
An Embedded Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests the software and hardware for embedded systems, which are computer systems with a dedicated function within a larger device or system. This course is perfectly tailored for those seeking a role as an Embedded Systems Engineer, as it covers the fundamentals of programming microcontrollers at a low level, which is vital for embedded systems. The course focuses on the AVR platform, offering practical exercises and real-world problem-solving that are highly relevant. This course may be particularly useful because it covers low-level code optimization to reduce power consumption, and delves into the functionality behind the Arduino library. This knowledge will help the engineer write efficient code applicable to various microcontrollers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer
Firmware Engineer
A Firmware Engineer creates the low-level software that controls the hardware of electronic devices. Often working with microcontrollers, Firmware Engineers write code that is stored directly on the hardware itself, and enables device operation. This course is a great fit for aspiring Firmware Engineers because it examines the inner workings of the AVR microcontroller, which is commonly used in embedded systems. From topics such as memory management to compiler toolchains and communication protocols, the course enables engineers to write highly optimized code for a variety of devices. The course's practical approach, with exercises and real-world problem solving, is directly applicable to the challenges faced by Firmware Engineers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer
Internet of Things Engineer
An Internet of Things Engineer designs, develops, and implements Internet of Things devices and systems. These often involve embedded systems and low-level programming. This course is helpful for an Internet of things Engineer because it covers the efficient programming of microcontrollers, communication protocols, and power optimization. It will help IoT engineers design and program efficient connected devices. The course’s emphasis on real-world applications and practical exercises directly relates to the challenges of creating robust and reliable IoT solutions. The course may be useful because it covers low-power operation and efficient code execution.
See salaries and explore the career path for Internet of Things Engineer
Robotics Engineer
A Robotics Engineer designs and develops robots from the ground up. They work with various aspects of robotics including mechanical design, electronics, and control systems. This course provides a great introduction for a Robotics Engineer interested in low-level control of robot hardware. By learning how to program microcontrollers directly, as taught in this course, a robotics engineer can gain expertise in making robots operate efficiently at a low level. The course covers essential topics such as communication protocols, timers, and power management, skills that are helpful for the implementation of autonomous robotic systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer
Hardware Engineer
A Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests electronic components and systems, focusing on the physical aspects of computing and devices. While this role is distinct from software, the knowledge gained in this course is valuable because it provides an understanding of the low-level interactions between hardware and software. A Hardware Engineer who understands microcontroller programming and the optimization of firmware gains a deeper insight into how hardware operates. The course explores power management, memory usage, and communication protocols, which will help improve efficiency and performance in design and development. This course may be useful to hardware engineers that want more hands-on knowledge.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer
Control Systems Engineer
A Control Systems Engineer designs, develops, and implements systems that control other systems. This may involve microcontrollers and a deep understanding of low-level programming. This course is helpful for those interested in control systems because it explores the intricacies of microcontroller programming, communication protocols, and efficient coding. The course's hands-on approach and coverage of topics like timers, interrupts, and analog to digital conversion provides a solid foundation for creating reliable and effective control systems. A Control Systems Engineer should learn to program at the lowest level of the microcontroller, which is covered here in detail.
See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Engineer
Mechatronics Engineer
A Mechatronics Engineer integrates mechanical, electrical, and software engineering in order to create automated and intelligent systems. This course may be useful to a Mechatronics Engineer because it provides a solid understanding of microcontroller programming, communication protocols, and real-time embedded system design. By directly working with low-level microcontroller programming, a Mechatronics Engineer can gain insight into how the software and hardware interact and how to optimize their designs for performance and reliability. The hands-on approach and practical exercises offered in this course make it a useful experience for a Mechatronics engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer
Automation Engineer
An Automation Engineer designs, develops, and implements automated systems. This work often involves the use of programmable logic controllers and microcontrollers. This course may be helpful to an Automation Engineer due to its in-depth coverage of microcontroller programming, memory management, and efficient coding techniques. The course explores relevant topics such as communication protocols, power management, and the practical application of microcontrollers to real-world problems. The knowledge gained can help an automation engineer develop robust and efficient control systems for various applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automation Engineer
Product Development Engineer
A Product Development Engineer creates new products as part of a team. This role often involves the integration of hardware and software, particularly those of embedded systems. This course may be useful for those in this field because it provides a solid introduction into the programming of microcontrollers and the optimization of embedded systems. Product Development Engineers who understand these capabilities can make informed decisions about the design and implementation of new products, resulting in a more efficient and effective development process. The course covers debugging techniques that will help in the development process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Development Engineer
Avionics Engineer
An Avionics Engineer designs, develops, and maintains electronic systems for aircraft and spacecraft. This often involves working with embedded systems. This course may be helpful for an Avionics Engineer due to its focus on low-level microcontroller programming, communication protocols, and power efficiency. These skills are highly relevant to the design and maintenance of reliable avionics systems. The course provides knowledge of debugging tools and techniques applicable to embedded systems, which will help an avionics engineer develop safe and robust systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Avionics Engineer
Electrical Engineer
An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical systems and components. While a software focused course may seem outside the normal scope of an Electrical Engineer, this course is useful because it offers practical experience that will prepare an engineer for the industry. The course focuses on microcontroller programming, memory management, and how to implement specific communication protocols between different parts of an electrical system. This course may be useful because it offers practical knowledge that an Electrical Engineer may want to have as part of their toolkit.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist conducts experiments and studies, often in universities or in industrial settings. Some Research Scientists working with physical systems or devices may find the material in this course to be helpful. By exploring the intricacies of the microcontrollers and embedded system design covered by the course, scientists working in these fields can develop a deeper understanding of the systems involved in their research. This course may be useful to research scientists that want to better understand how their instruments work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Technical Consultant
A Technical Consultant provides expert advice and guidance on technical matters. Specific jobs vary, but roles may involve working with microcontrollers or embedded systems. This course may be helpful to a technical consultant by providing them with a deeper understanding of the underlying processes of embedded systems and microcontrollers. The course covers practical programming techniques, memory management, and communication protocols, all of which are relevant to the field. A Technical Consultant who's familiar with these concepts can guide clients towards better solutions and provide more informed recommendations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Consultant
Technology Educator
A Technology Educator teaches technical skills to students, usually in an academic or professional setting. A Technology Educator can use this course to deepen their knowledge of embedded systems and microcontrollers, which is useful for teaching subjects that deal with embedded systems. The course covers everything from basic concepts to advanced topics, such as setting up the GNU compiler chain, as well as debugging. The practical exercises and hands-on approach of this course will help a technology educator effectively teach the subject matter.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Educator
Biomedical Engineer
A Biomedical Engineer designs and develops medical devices and systems. Many medical devices use embedded systems and this course may be helpful to Biomedical Engineers who wish to understand the inner workings of these systems. The course focuses on programming microcontrollers at a low level, communication protocols, and memory management techniques. These skills will greatly help a Biomedical Engineer contribute to the development of advanced medical technologies. This course may be useful to biomedical engineers seeking to develop more capable systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

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 Arduino under the Hood - AVR for Professionals.
Cover image
AVR Programming
Save
Provides a practical introduction to AVR programming using the Arduino platform. It covers the fundamentals of AVR microcontrollers, including memory management, peripherals, and communication protocols. It's a valuable resource for understanding the underlying hardware and software of Arduino projects. This book is useful for students who want to go beyond the Arduino IDE and write their own AVR code.
AVR Programming: Learning to Write Software for...
Paperback
$$
AVR Programming: Learning to Write Software for...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Programming Embedded Systems
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to embedded systems programming using C and GNU development tools. It covers a wide range of topics, including hardware interfacing, real-time operating systems, and debugging techniques. While not specific to AVR, the concepts are broadly applicable and provide a solid foundation for embedded development. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.
Programming Embedded Systems: With C and GNU...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Effort
20 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Dr. Alexander Fell
Language
English
Good to know
Focuses on practical aspects of embedded systems and their applications, which is highly relevant for engineers working in the field
Explores the ATmega328P MCU in depth, which allows engineers to optimize code for low power consumption in battery-powered devices
Covers debugging techniques using simulators, JTAG, and debugWIRE, which are essential skills for embedded systems development
Teaches how to use Makefiles for compiling, which is a standard practice in professional embedded development environments
Requires a working knowledge of C, which may necessitate additional preparation for some learners without prior experience
Examines potential security vulnerabilities like buffer overflows, which are important considerations for secure embedded systems design
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