Course Description

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of embedded systems with our course on designing and developing bare metal applications using RISC-V microcontrollers. This intermediate-level course is your gateway to mastering the art of creating professional-grade embedded systems using an open instruction set architecture (ISA). Whether you're a hobbyist with innovative ideas, an engineering student aspiring to create cutting-edge applications, or a maker ready to elevate your skills beyond Arduino, this course is tailored to propel you into the realm of advanced embedded system development.

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement your own embedded system from scratch
• Navigate the process of bringing your embedded system ideas to life
• Utilize SiFive Freedom Studio to create embedded systems with RISC-V CPUs
• Master the intricacies of RISC-V microcontrollers and their internal operational modules
• Gain hands-on experience with bare metal programming
• Understand the principles of deeply embedded applications
• Develop proficiency in working with open instruction set architecture

Prerequisites

• Experience with C programming language
• Basic understanding of schematic diagrams
• Familiarity with electronics concepts (logic levels, voltages, gates, periodic signals)
• Prior experience with assembly language (beneficial but not mandatory)
• Access to a personal computer running Linux, macOS, or Windows, compatible with SiFive Freedom Studio
• Optional: RED-V Thing Plus microcontroller board by SparkFun and a free USB port for hands-on examples

Course Content

• Introduction to RISC-V architecture and its applications in embedded systems
• Setting up and using the SiFive Freedom Studio development environment
• Understanding microcontroller architecture and libraries
• Implementing General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) operations
• Mastering Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) techniques
• Developing interrupt-driven applications
• Implementing serial communication in embedded systems
• Practical application of bare metal programming concepts

Who This Course Is For

• Hobbyists looking to implement professional-grade ideas
• Engineering students aiming to create advanced applications with RISC-V microcontrollers
• Makers ready to transition from Arduino-like platforms to more sophisticated embedded systems
• Aspiring Embedded Systems Engineers seeking to specialize in RISC-V-based systems
• Technology enthusiasts interested in open-source hardware and software solutions

Real-World Applications

• Developing custom IoT devices and smart home solutions
• Creating embedded systems for automotive and industrial automation
• Designing wearable technology and medical devices
• Implementing robotics and drone control systems
• Contributing to open-source hardware projects
• Pursuing careers in embedded systems engineering across various industries
• Innovating in the field of low-power, high-performance computing solutions

Syllabus