Microcontroller Embedded C Programming: Absolute Beginners Course Syllabus

Overview: This project-driven course is designed for absolute beginners to learn Embedded C programming from the ground up. Over approximately 7 hours of structured content, you'll gain hands-on experience with core microcontroller peripherals and communication protocols. Each module builds practical skills through coding exercises and real-world applications, culminating in an integrated final project. The course follows a learn-by-doing approach, ensuring you can confidently develop and debug embedded applications using standard industry tools and techniques.

Module 1: Introduction to Embedded C & Toolchain Setup

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Install and configure IDE, compiler, and debugger
• Set up the development environment for microcontroller programming
• Understand the differences between desktop C and Embedded C
• Write, compile, and flash a basic 'Blink LED' program

Module 2: Microcontroller Architecture & GPIO

Estimated time: 1 hours

• Explore MCU components: CPU, memory, and peripherals
• Configure GPIO pins for digital output and input modes
• Implement pull-up and pull-down resistor settings
• Interface LEDs and switches using GPIO

Module 3: Timers, Counters & Delays

Estimated time: 1 hours

• Set up hardware timers for time-base generation
• Create accurate non-blocking delay functions
• Use counters to track external events
• Configure timer interrupts for periodic execution

Module 4: Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC)

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Configure ADC channels and sampling parameters
• Read analog sensor voltages and convert to digital values
• Implement ADC with polling and interrupt modes

Module 5: Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM)

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Generate PWM signals for analog-like output
• Control LED brightness and motor speed using PWM
• Adjust duty cycle and frequency dynamically in code

Module 6: UART Serial Communication

Estimated time: 1 hours

• Initialize UART with baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits
• Transmit and receive data between MCU and PC
• Implement bidirectional communication with another microcontroller

Module 7: I²C & SPI Protocols

Estimated time: 1 hours

• Configure I²C in master and slave modes
• Perform read/write transactions with I²C sensors
• Set up full-duplex communication using SPI
• Interface external memory and sensors via SPI

Module 8: Interrupts & Event-Driven Programming

Estimated time: 1 hours

• Configure external interrupts from GPIO pins
• Handle peripheral-generated interrupts
• Write safe and efficient Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs)
• Manage shared data between main loop and ISRs

Module 9: Basic RTOS Concepts & Task Scheduling

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Understand the role of RTOS in embedded systems
• Create and manage simple tasks
• Implement basic context switching

Module 10: Hands-On Project: Embedded System Design

Estimated time: 1 hours

• Integrate GPIO, ADC, PWM, and UART modules
• Build a sensor-driven control system
• Implement user feedback using LEDs and serial output

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic C programming concepts
• Access to a compatible microcontroller development board
• Basic understanding of electronics and circuit connections

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Write, compile, and debug Embedded C code for microcontrollers
• Interface GPIO pins for digital input/output and sensor integration
• Configure and utilize timers, counters, and delay routines
• Implement analog-to-digital (ADC) and pulse-width modulation (PWM) functionalities
• Establish serial communication over UART, I²C, and SPI protocols