Building and Installation of Embedded Systems

This free online course discusses the digital interfacing of the MSP430 microcontrollers as well as the building and installation of embedded systems. You will learn how to download and install software for the MSP430 microcontroller, and how to plan and build electronic projects. This course will teach you the relevant skills required to manipulate, plan and build projects using an embedded system.

What You Will Learn In This Free Course

Digital Inputs and Outputs of MSP430

In this module, you will be introduced to the digital input and output devices of the MSP430 microcontroller. You will be shown how to download and install appropriate software such as GIT and Code Composer Studio for the MSP430 on your desktop or laptop computer. The structure of the embedded C programming language will be explained, as well as how to connect a laptop or desktop computer to the MSP430 lunchbox. Lastly, the concept of the clock and reset in the MSP430 will be covered.

Introduction to Interrupts in MSP430

In this module, you will be introduced to the concept of Interrupts. An interrupt is a mechanism that gives a feeling of multitasking. The classification, as well as sources of Interrupts, will be explained in this module. Registers of the Interrupt will be introduced and you will also study the variables of Interrupts. Lastly, you will learn how to connect additional input and output devices to the MSP430 microcontroller for human interaction.

Introduction To Timers in MSP430

In this module, you will be introduced to Timers in MSP430. The Timer_A module, which is common with the MSP430 microcontroller and its components will be discussed. The Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal, one method of generating analog voltages will be introduced. You will consider both the software and hardware approaches to generating PWM signals in this module. Lastly, you will also learn the ability to read external analog voltages using an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC).

First Assessment

This assessment enables you to review your learning so you can determine your knowledge and understanding of modules 1-3 of the course.; Module

Communication Protocols on MSP430

In this module, you will be introduced to the various communication protocols on MSP430. You will examine how the microcontroller can generate random numbers using the Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR), as well as communicate with the outside world using the various MSP430 communication protocol methods. The Serial Communication Protocols and the Serial Command Systems will be highlighted. Lastly, you will study how to use a timer to capture an internal and external event in MSP430.

Building a Printed Circuit Board

In this module, you will be shown how to program a microcontroller. You will learn how to create a mechanism where multiple activities are taking place in a microcontroller using Multiplexing and Interrupts. The requirements, aims, and objectives to consider when starting a project will be highlighted. Also, the methods, merits, as well as demerits of the methods of circuit prototyping will be examined. Lastly, you will learn how to cut and prepare a custom circuit board.

Single Purpose Computers and Project Demonstration

In this module, you will learn about the Finite State Machine (FSM) and Datapath, which represent all the functional elements that process data under the control of the FSM. Then, you will study how to write a problem statement and the types of Programmable Logic Devices. Lastly, you will be taught how to plan, test, and implement an MSP430 microcontroller project in a wirelessly powered art installation project.

Second Assessment

This assessment enables you to review your learning so you can determine your knowledge and understanding of modules 4-6 of the course.; Module

Course assessment