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University of California, Irvine

The Arduino Platform and C Programming

University of California, Irvine via Coursera

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Overview

Class Central Tips
The Arduino is an open-source computer hardware/software platform for building digital devices and interactive objects that can sense and control the physical world around them. In this class you will learn how the Arduino platform works in terms of the physical board and libraries and the IDE (integrated development environment). You will also learn about shields, which are smaller boards that plug into the main Arduino board to perform other functions such as sensing light, heat, GPS tracking, or providing a user interface display. The course will also cover programming the Arduino using C code and accessing the pins on the board via the software to control external devices. Please note that this course does not include discussion forums. Upon completing this course, you will be able to: 1. Outline the composition of the Arduino development board 2. Describe what it means to program the board's firmware 3. Read board schematics 4. Install Arduino IDE 5. Describe what "shields" are and how they are used 6. Specify the role of libraries in the use of shields 7. Compile and run a program 8. Name C Variables and Types 9. Name common C operators 10. Use conditionals and loops 11. Explain functions, their definition and invocation 12. Explain the implications of global variables 13. Undertake the Arduino build process 14. Describe the role of the tools behind the IDE 15. Describe how to invoke functions in classes 16. Explain the structure of an Arduino sketch 17. Access the pins of the Arduino 18. Differentiate between digital and analog pin 19. Debug embedded software 20. Explain the importance of controllability and observability in the debugging process 21. Describe common debugging architectures for embedded systems 22. Explain how the UART Serial communication protocol works 23. Describe how the Arduino Serial library performs serial communication

Syllabus

  • Arduino Environment
    • This module provides an introduction to the Arduino environment which is composed of three things: the Arduino board, the Arduino IDE, and the Arduino-compatible shields together with their libraries. We first investigate the board, discussing all of its main components, inputs, and outputs. We discuss how each component is used and we examine the board schematic to see how they are connected. We then discuss the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) which is used primarily to write, compile, and upload code. We survey the interface of the IDE and discuss how to install and use it. We also examine the use of shields to extend the functionality of an Arduino-based system. We discuss how shield libraries provide a useful abstraction to facilitate programming.
  • C Programming
    • This module covers the basics of the C programming language which will be used to write code for the Arduino. The course first covers basic syntax, variables, and types. Most of the basic C operators are presented. Conditional statements (if, switch) and loops (while, for) are described. The concept of functions is presented together with how to define and call functions. Creation and use of global variables is explained.
  • Arduino Programs
    • This module describes the composition of an Arduino program, or sketch, and the process by which it is compiled and uploaded. The Arduino IDE is a user interface for the software tools which actually compile and upload the program. We outline the use of these tools in the build process. We describe the basic structure of a sketch, including the use of the setup() and loop() functions. The main interface of an Arduino is through its pins, so we describe how to access those pins from a sketch.
  • Module 4
    • This module is an introduction on debugging embedded software on an Arduino. We discuss the basic debugging requirements: controllability and observability. The debugging environment available for an Arduino UNO is limited, so we describe how to use the UART communication protocol to gain controllability and observability. We present the use of the Serial library to communicate with the Arduino through the serial monitor.

Taught by

Ian Harris

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Reviews

3.0 rating, based on 13 Class Central reviews

4.7 rating at Coursera based on 7108 ratings

Start your review of The Arduino Platform and C Programming

  • Profile image for Ken Sellers
    Ken Sellers @ken
    As I was taking this class, I often wondered who the target audience was. Although the class has no listed prerequisites, I noticed a lot of engineering jargon being used without ever defining what it meant. I'm not sure that non-technical people…
  • Profile image for Fitness With Ahsan
    Fitness With Ahsan
    It's designed for hobbyists, artists, and anyone interested in creating interactive projects. The programming language used for Arduino is a simplified version of C/C++, making it accessible to beginners while still powerful enough for advanced users.
  • JC
    How difficult was the course-well, C Programming could hardly considered as an intro, you will write a Fibonacci code, difficult. Some details of the board were interesting, nevertheless I am doubting the use of them. I suggest you search the internet, watch videos, read docs=more useful knowledge in less time. Do not buy the stuff recommended. I got a kit long before, a cheap one. I finished that and enrolled, just because I had already that board. As for the debugging part: No practice at all-it would have been very interesting and important.
  • Lindsey McWilliams
    These courses are designed to make you pay for the class to get access to all of the materials. I'm interested in learning and not in getting a certificate. You can only watch four videos per week without paying, and there are about nine videos per week. The introductory videos count against the four and are worthless. The readings (and video lecture content as best I can tell) are taken from other websites; the class makes it easier to find useful websites.
  • Anonymous
    Too easy, no clear teaching objectives. It is a complete waste of time (and money if you go for the certificate)
  • Ellie Ireland
    This course was great for me because I had no experience with the Arduino. It moved at a steady pace that wasn't too fast or slow for a beginner.
  • Profile image for Panagiotis Bouklis
    Panagiotis Bouklis
  • Marco Neves
    Very interesting for the ones that want to start a training in Arduino plataform. No previous experience required. The course is selfpaced so you can define your own pace of learning.
  • Mario
  • Colin Khein
  • Harsh Bhasin
  • Israfil
  • Vanessa Guapo
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