Preamble

01 - Number Representations, History of Microprocessors and Microcontrollers

By reading this part of the course material, you can gain an insight into how thousands and millions of transistors become a much more complex, multifunctional circuit when properly connected, and how it led to the world of high-performance microprocessors known today. In order to put together the picture in our head, we must first review some basic concepts.

02 - Advanced Microcontroller Types, ARM Cortex Cores

In this part of the curriculum, you are able to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of different architectures. You can dive deeper into the structure of ARM-based systems, more precisely into the STMicroelectrics' STM32 product line. You can also learn about the needs that led to the development of today's modern controllers.

03 - Low-Level Programming in C Language, Process of Compilation

Now you can learn why some programs can run on some computers and not others. You can also get a glimpse into the mysteries of programming close to hardware and the operation of the C compiler.

04 - STM Programming Environment (CubeIDE, ST-Link)

In this part of the curriculum, you are introduced to the interface for programming STM microcontrollers, CubeIDE. We will show how this interface facilitates the configuration of the controller and the creation of the software. Finally, we get to know the ST-Link programmer.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

05 - Hardware Abstraction Layer

Now you can learn how the use of "Hardware Abstraction Layer" helps programming. Even in the case of the simplest programs, it speeds up the development time, "hides" the registers of the given controller, thereby helping the portability of the code.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

06 - Debugging and Analysis (JTAG and SWD)

Debugging and checking operation is an essential process of software development. Fortunately, nowadays we have a well-equipped toolbox at our disposal in order to find anomalies. In this tutorial, you can get to know the related functions of STM32CubeIDE and learn how to perform the debugging process itself.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

07 - I/O Ports of the Microcontroller

Now you can see how the microcontroller communicates with the other devices on the development board. We will show you how the input and output units are built, and what special functions each leg can perform. It also sheds light on how you can protect sensitive devices from unwanted effects, such as overvoltage and overcurrent.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

08 - Serial Communication Lines Part I. (I2C, SPI)

In this part, you learn about data transfer types and the differences between serial and parallel communication. You will learn how I2C and SPI communication is structured and how they can be used in practice.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

09 - Human-Machine Interface

Have you ever wondered how we are able to connect with our electronic devices? The easiest way is with switches and indicator lights. Fortunately, the development of technology has not stopped, so we can now use various graphic displays for feedback. You can read more about these tools in this section of the curriculum.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

10 - Serial Communication Lines Part II. (UART, CAN, USB)

In this part of the curriculum, you will learn about new types of serial communication. You can deepen your knowledge of the UART topic, find out how CAN (which is mostly used in vehicles) and USB (which has gone through many versions) are structured.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

11 - A-D Conversion

In this part of the course material, you can get to know the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), you can find out what steps are necessary to convert our analog signals into information that can be interpreted by the microcontroller. You can see what errors can occur during the conversion and how we can eliminate them, thus increasing the accuracy of the measurement.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

12 - D-A Conversion

In this part of the curriculum, you will learn about the design of digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and the resulting error phenomena. You can examine the DAC in the STM32F4 microcontroller in detail and learn how to configure it according to the application through interesting examples.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

13 - Sensor Types and Their Applications

In this chapter, you can learn about the operating principle and structure of the various sensors. You can expand your knowledge of temperature, pressure, humidity and, last but not least, light sensors, as well as their programming and use.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

14 - Calibration of Sensors

In this part of the curriculum, you can get to know NTC and PTC temperature sensors in more detail, you can find out what correlations can be observed between the design of the sensors and the measurement results, and finally, with the help of a measurement arrangement, you can try how to calibrate a temperature sensor.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

15 - Counter and Timer Units, WDT

In this part of the study material, you will learn about the counter and timer peripherals of the microcontroller. You can learn how to apply PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) or how to connect an encoder to the appropriate inputs of the controller. Finally, through a vivid example, you can observe how the Watchdog timer helps to deal with errors caused by software jamming.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

16 - Real-time Clock

Have you ever wondered how our various devices are always able to show the correct time? The RTC (Real Time Clock) peripheral enables high-precision time measurement, and some types also offer calendar functions. In this tutorial, you can learn how this very useful accessory is built and how you can use it in different areas.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

17 - Control of Motors

In this chapter, you can learn about the different types of electrical machines and their fields of application. You can gain an insight into the world of machines operating with direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). Through examples, you can experience what steps are necessary for an electric motor to start rotating and to be able to control it.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

18 - P, PI, PD, PID Controllers

In this tutorial you will learn the difference between regulation, open-loop and closed-loop control. You can learn about the stability conditions and dynamic properties of regulations. Last but not least, you will get to know the most frequently used regulatory structures.

19 - Implementing Simple P and PI Controllers

With the help of this part of the curriculum, you can test your theoretical knowledge of regulation in practice. You will learn how simple open-loop, P and PI controllers can be implemented using a microcontroller. You can also find interesting information about how the control parameters can be tuned and of course you can try them yourself!

You can find the example code for this chapter here

20 - Power Requirements of Microcontrollers

We want to use our portable devices as long as possible, so it is essential to reduce consumption, in this part of the curriculum you will learn about the energy requirements of the microcontroller and the various peripherals, their modes of operation and how lower energy levels can be achieved.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

21 - Simple Real-Time Operating Systems

In this part of the curriculum, we present the role and behaviour of an operating system in embedded systems, and explain when it is worth using it. In addition, the mechanism of the scheduler, management of events and shared resources are also introduced.

22 - Using a Real-Time Operating System (FreeRTOS)

In the previous chapter, you already learned about the general structure of embedded operating systems, now with the help of a specific system, FreeRTOS, you can try out in practice how to program in a real-time operating system, what programming technical errors can occur and how you can protect yourself against them.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

23 - File Systems, SD Card

In this part of the curriculum, you can find out what is hidden under the plastic case of SD cards. You will learn about the factors that affect the lifetime of cards, the diverse file systems used by different devices, and the HAL functions that help moving data.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

24 - Complex Summary Application Using Examples From the Course Material

Based on the knowledge we have acquired so far, we will design and make a regulator with which we can adjust the water temperature of the shower. Through this example, we demonstrate the steps that guides you through the preparation and implementation of such a project.

You can find the example code for this chapter here

Currently recommended development tools and components

We have prepared a summary table in which you can find which STM32 development card (Nucleo / Discovery) and which additional elements you can use to try out what is described in the course material.
The example codes must be rewritten (ported) according to the given card, but you will find help for this in the first chapters of the course material.
For example, when creating a project in STM32CubeIDE, you select the available board, then in the hardware configurator you set the device according to the example code.
The project can then be compiled by copying the appropriate files of the example codes.
In the schools that test the curriculum, the students use a unique development card that can be seen in the curriculum, but we have not yet found a suitable opportunity to produce it. The suggestions in the table above offer cheap, full-featured, generally available solutions.