Welcome to the Introduction to Embedded Systems Software and Development Environments. This course is focused on giving you real world coding experience and hands on project work with ARM based Microcontrollers. You will learn how to implement software configuration management and develop embedded software applications. Course assignments include creating a build system using the GNU Toolchain GCC, using Git version control, and developing software in Linux on a Virtual Machine. The course concludes with a project where you will create your own build system and firmware that can manipulate memory.
Introduction to Embedded Systems Software and Development Environments
Introduction to Embedded Systems Software and Development Environments
Instructor: Alex Fosdick
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.5
(619 reviews)
Intermediate level
Some related experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 9 hours
Learn at your own pace
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Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Classify the parts of an embedded systems developer’s Source Configuration Management (SCM)
Implement a build system using GNU’s Make and GCC compiler toolsets
Write C-programs to define data in different memory regions
Skills you'll gain
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Assessments
4 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 4 modules in this course
Module 1 will introduce the learner to the components of your embedded system software development process. This module will be a quick overview for many topics with detailed analysis to follow in later modules and courses. We start with defining the hardware and software building blocks of Embedded Systems which will include a C-programming refresher. Next you will learn about the important tools a developer will need to use to help design, build and manage their designs. This includes development environments, version control and the hardware kits to install on. Learners will install and use a Virtual machine to complete Week 1 Application Assignment.
What's included
10 videos1 assignment1 peer review
Module 2 will introduce the learner to the software development build system. Most software engineers are very knowledgeable about their build system as we need them to translate our high-level software languages to our architecture specific implementations. There are some important platform and architecture concepts that are introduced in the build system to help enforce good software design techniques. Learners will create their own build systems and utilize build tools to analyze their embedded software implementations.
What's included
9 videos1 assignment1 peer review
Module 3 will begin to introduce important embedded concepts like the memory systems in their design. Learners will understand how the software to hardware mapping occurs for their designs including differentiating between your program code and your program data. Memory systems have many platform and architecture dependencies, and you will begin to learn about some of the fundamental concepts a software engineer needs to know to utilize all parts of an embedded system’s memory.
What's included
8 videos2 readings2 assignments
During this week you are to going to combine what you have learned in modules 1-3 to write some memory manipulation software, incorporate into your build system and then run some test functions. At the end of the assignment you will perform a detailed code review of other learners’ software. Reviewing other learners code is very important for both your growth of software design but also for the coder to gain valuable feedback. Professional software engineering regularly go through software reviews when developing code.
What's included
1 peer review
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.6 (137 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Electrical Engineering
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder
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SK
5
Reviewed on Oct 9, 2019
The course was excellent for me, as a beginner. Of course, the learning curve was steep and the assignments challenging, but I learnt a lot. Thanks you Coursera and University of Colorado, Boulder.
RV
5
Reviewed on May 30, 2019
Excellent course. Refreshed all my concepts of Embedded System programming after a long time. Very good introductory course for Campus freshmen who needs to start working on System SW Development.
AP
5
Reviewed on Jul 31, 2020
Very nice course. Does a good job of introducing to version control, software build system and many other things. it was a ice experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The specialization supports assignments and grading only on the MSP432 development board. The course material can translate to other development kits and students are welcome to take this course with their own embedded system, but grading will only be supported and graded with only the MSP432.
And just a reminder that the first course of the specialization doesn’t require you to order any hardware. You will need to obtain the following microcontroller development kit to use for project work in later courses of the specialization: Texas Instruments Launchpad - MSP432p401r. This evaluation kit is available for about $13 US dollars. More information about ordering the kit will be provided in the course.
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.