Interfacing with the Arduino from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1

IoT devices involve a combination of software and hardware. This module provides background on the basics of hardware design and wiring needed to build useful circuits. This module describes the functions of basic passive components and describes how to use them in simple circuits. This module also describes how to wire circuits together using a breadboard. The goal of this module is to enable students to design and implement the circuits they need to interact with basic sensors and actuators.

Module 2

This module introduces sensors and actuators and discusses how to interface with them. We’ll examine different classes of sensors and actuators. For each type of sensor/actuator, we’ll examine the circuitry needed to interface with it. Additionally, we’ll take a look at the Arduino code needed to communicate with the sensors and actuators.

Module 3

This module introduces the use of software libraries with an Arduino sketch. One of the best aspects of the Arduino environment is that the use of good libraries allows a programmer to use complicated hardware without dealing with the complexity. The Arduino environment is supported by many libraries and this module examines the use of several of the more common libraries that allow the use of hardware peripherals in the microprocessor.

Module 4

In this module we’ll examine Arduino shields and how they are used to extend the capabilities of an Arduino-based system. Shields are printed circuit boards that are stacked on top of the Arduino together with libraries that enable the new hardware to be used through an Arduino sketch. We’ll describe the benefits of shields and their basic construction as well as the use of libraries in interfacing with each shield. This module also describes how to connect your IoT device to the Internet using shields. We focus on an Ethernet shield in order to establish a wired network connection, and a WiFi shield to establish a wireless connection.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores industry-standard hardware design and wiring for building useful circuits

Provides hands-on experience implementing circuits for basic sensors and actuators

Introduces the use of software libraries to simplify complex hardware interactions

Covers the use of Arduino shields to extend the capabilities of Arduino systems

Teaches how to establish wired and wireless connections for IoT devices

Covers core concepts in hardware design and interfacing for IoT applications

Reviews summary

Arduino interfacing course

Learners say this course is largely positive with engaging assignments and clear concepts, but difficult exams and limited practical knowledge. The course helps you learn how to interface with Arduino using various shields, ports, and communication methods. It's suitable for beginners, but some may find it too basic.

Clear explanations and well-organized material.

"Concepts were Explained very nicely. Must Try this Course to Learn About Arduino and Hardware Extension through Shield's and how to use them."

"The course is really very good and helpful for developing Arduino projects"

"The course content is a bit questionable. I enjoyed the previous courses but I expected more from this course."

Engaging assignments help you practice concepts.

"Great course for newbies and also for professionals from related disciplines."

"This course reviews a lot from the one before in the series, but it is very informative and hands on (so long as you have an Arduino.)"

"It was very helpful learning how to control home appliances through IOT and assignments were very helpful for practical knowledge."

Suitable for beginners with little to no experience.

"The class is designed for beginners, it is however a great introduction, With a lot of great hands-onadvice. As the class advances the lectures continue to improve"

"For a basic understanding of using an Arduino this course is great."

"This course is awesome for beginners because they will learn new and useful concepts for their future.Thanks professor Ian Harris and coursera."

Limited hands-on experience and practical knowledge.

"This is a good and easy to understand course but the thing that i felt is that this is not providing good practical knowledge on how to apply and make a project rather this just simple overview & quizzes and assignments are also very very easy."

"Rather than diving into too deep on codings and internal works, I'd like to see things in a practical environment. How to get a design success and how to achieve a plan via your ideas etc . Basically, Id like to have a more practical approach to this course"

"It gave a good introduction to the subject. I felt it should also concentrate more on hands-on experience by giving good assignments on arduino"

Exams can be challenging for some.

"This course opened up an entire new plethora of opportunities for me. Never thought such exciting concepts would just be a click away!"

"The course needs a lot more additional lectures to complete the programming assignments. So only someone with pre-acquired knowledge will be able to complete the assignments (code)"

"For a basic understanding of using an Arduino this course is great. Im hoping the courses get into greater detail when it comes to how to using complex functions. I have a great base to know where to find resources now for my own projects. "

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 Interfacing with the Arduino with these activities:

Organize Course Materials

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Organizing your materials will help you stay on track and facilitate easy access to learning resources.

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Create a dedicated folder or notebook for the course materials.
Save or print lecture notes, slides, and assignments.
Keep track of important concepts and formulas.

Review Analog and Digital Signals

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Refreshing your knowledge of analog and digital signals will provide a strong foundation for understanding Arduino's input and output mechanisms.

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Revisit concepts of analog and digital signals, their characteristics, and conversions.
Review methods for converting analog signals to digital and vice versa.

Review Basic Electrical Concepts

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Review basic electrical concepts to solidify your knowledge and prepare for this course's more advanced topics.

Browse courses on Electrical Engineering

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Review Ohm's Law and its applications.
Analyze simple electrical circuits using Kirchhoff's Laws.
Calculate power, energy, and efficiency in electrical systems.

Four other activities

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Connect with Arduino Experts

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Mentors can provide valuable guidance, support, and insights to enhance your learning journey.

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Attend online forums and discussion groups related to Arduino.
Reach out to experienced Arduino users on social media.
Consider joining a local Arduino user group or makerspace.

Practice Wiring Basic Circuits

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Hands-on practice with wiring basic circuits will help you understand how components interact and apply your theoretical knowledge.

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Assemble a simple circuit with a battery, resistor, and LED.
Experiment with different resistor values to observe their impact on current and voltage.
Connect multiple components in series and parallel configurations.

Explore Sensor Interfacing with Arduino

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Guided tutorials can provide step-by-step instructions and helpful examples for interfacing various sensors with Arduino.

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Find tutorials on how to connect and read data from common sensors like temperature, light, and motion sensors.
Follow the tutorials to wire the sensors correctly and write the Arduino code.
Test the sensor readings and analyze the data.

Build a Smart Home Device with Arduino

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Creating a tangible project will help you apply your skills in a practical and meaningful way.

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Brainstorm an idea for a smart home device that solves a problem or automates a task.
Design the circuit and choose the necessary components.
Build the device and program the Arduino to control its functionality.
Test and refine the device to ensure its reliability.

Career center

Learners who complete Interfacing with the Arduino will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Hardware Engineer

Hardware Engineers design and develop electronic hardware, such as computer motherboards, smartphones, and medical devices. The Interfacing with Arduino course provides a foundation in hardware design, wiring, and programming. This knowledge is valuable for Hardware Engineers, as they need to be able to understand and design complex electronic circuits.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, develop, and maintain robots. The Interfacing with Arduino course provides a foundation in hardware design, programming, and sensor integration. This knowledge is valuable for Robotics Engineers, as they need to be able to understand and design complex robotic systems.

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Mechatronics Engineer

Mechatronics Engineers design, develop, and maintain systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. The Interfacing with Arduino course provides hands-on experience with hardware interfacing, programming, and sensor integration. This knowledge is valuable for Mechatronics Engineers, as they need to be able to design and implement systems that interact with the physical world.

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Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers design, develop, and maintain embedded systems, which are small computers that control various devices. The Interfacing with Arduino course introduces the basics of hardware design, programming, and interfacing with sensors and actuators. These skills are essential for Embedded Systems Engineers, as they need to be able to design and implement systems that interact with the physical world.

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Sensor Engineer

Sensor Engineers design, develop, and test sensors used in various applications such as medical devices, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring. The Interfacing with Arduino course provides hands-on experience with sensor interfacing and programming. This knowledge is valuable for Sensor Engineers, as they need to understand how different sensors work and how to integrate them into various systems.

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System Engineer

System Engineers design, develop, and maintain complex systems that integrate hardware, software, and networking. The Interfacing with Arduino course provides a foundation in hardware design, programming, and interfacing. This knowledge is valuable for System Engineers, as they need to be able to understand and design complex systems that interact with the physical world.

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Industrial Automation Technician

Industrial Automation Technicians install, maintain, and repair automated systems in industrial settings. The Interfacing with Arduino course provides hands-on experience with hardware interfacing, sensor integration, and programming. This knowledge is valuable for Industrial Automation Technicians, as they need to be able to troubleshoot and repair complex automated systems.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. The Interfacing with Arduino course provides hands-on experience with programming and interfacing with hardware. This knowledge is valuable for Software Engineers, as they need to be able to understand how software interacts with the real world.

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Electronic Engineering Technician

Electronic Engineering Technicians assist engineers in designing, developing, and testing electronic equipment. They also maintain and repair electronic systems. The Interfacing with Arduino course provides hands-on experience with hardware interfacing, sensor integration, and programming. This knowledge is valuable for Electronic Engineering Technicians, as they need to understand how different electronic components interact and how to troubleshoot and repair complex systems.

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Test Engineer

Test Engineers design, develop, and execute tests to ensure the functionality and quality of products. The Interfacing with Arduino course provides hands-on experience with hardware interfacing, sensor integration, and programming. This knowledge is valuable for Test Engineers, as they need to be able to understand how different products interact with the real world and how to test them efficiently.

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Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machine Operator

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machine Operators set up, operate, and maintain CNC machines to create precision parts. CNC machines are used in various fields such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. The Interfacing with Arduino course helps build a foundation in hardware design, wiring, and programming skills. These skills are in high demand for CNC Machine Operators, as they need to understand the basic principles of computer-controlled machines to set them up, troubleshoot errors, and ensure optimal performance.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. The Interfacing with Arduino course provides hands-on experience with programming and interfacing with hardware. This knowledge is valuable for Web Developers, as it allows them to design and develop websites that interact with the physical world.

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User Interface (UI) Designer

User Interface (UI) Designers design the user interfaces for websites, mobile apps, and other devices. The Interfacing with Arduino course provides hands-on experience with hardware interfacing and programming. This knowledge is valuable for UI Designers, as it allows them to design user interfaces that interact with the physical world.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for technical products and services. The Interfacing with Arduino course provides hands-on experience with hardware design, programming, and interfacing. This knowledge may be useful for Technical Writers who need to document technical products that interact with the physical world.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze data to extract insights and make predictions. The Interfacing with Arduino course provides hands-on experience with programming and interfacing with hardware. This knowledge may be useful for Data Scientists who need to analyze data from sensors and other devices.

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