Embedded Systems Prototyping

CPSC 4820/6820 — Fall 2015

WARNING: This schedule is not set in stone. It will evolve as we go. Please check it frequently.

Topics, Readings, Project due dates


Course introduction, policies, and preliminaries.


Overview and anatomy of an embedded system. We will learn a little history, view at a high level how applications are put together, and we will also take a close look at some really cool embedded systems.
LECTURE: Lecture #1 .
READ FOR NEXT TIME: Lampson's hints for system design.
ASSIGNED: Idea Document, Example Idea Document
INSTALL: Energia, Drivers

Introduction to Electricity, Ohm's Law, Reading a schematic, reading a datasheet and users guide, finding parts, balancing tradeoffs.
ASSIGNED: Blink the LED.
RECOMMENDED READING: Electricity, Circuits,and Ohm's Law.


Microcontrollers, Analog, Digital, Radios, Part 1
ASSIGNED: Install Radio Library.


Microcontrollers, Analog, Digital, Radios, Part 2
Project Deliverable #1: Idea Document Due


Learning EAGLE CAD: Schematics
DOWNLOAD: EAGLE, Parts libraries, SparkFun Parts,
EAGLE Microcontroller Layout (In Class).


Electricity, Circuits, Ohm's Law, once more
PLAY: Circuit Simulator


Learning EAGLE CAD: Layout
DOWNLOAD: OSH Park Design Rules, Parts libraries,
SparkFun Parts.
EAGLE: MSP430 Schematic, MSP430 Board.
ASSIGNED: System Overview, Example Document.

Workshop Day: EAGLE Schematics, Layout
Bring your laptop, launchpad, and any sensors circuits or components you would like to use with your project.
RESOURCES: MSP430FR6989 LaunchPad Design Files, MSP430FR5969 LaunchPad Design Files


Learning EAGLE CAD: Libraries and Custom Parts
DOWNLOAD: In class Library
Project Deliverable #2: System Design Due
ASSIGNED: System Schematic


Workshop Day: Schematic and Project Planning
Bring your laptop, launchpad, and any sensors circuits or components you would like to use with your project.
Project Deliverable #3: Schematic Due


Workshop Day: Custom Parts, Radios, EAGLE Design Rules
Bring your laptop, launchpad, and any sensors circuits or components you would like to use with your project. I will help you make them work.
ASSIGNED: System Layout


NO CLASS: Instructor traveling.


Project Deliverable #4: Layout Due


EAGLE Gotchas, Final Layout Tips


ASSIGNED: Order your boards before Fall Break!


Fall Break (enjoy the day off) 


Class Canceled


Workshop: Final board checks, parts ordering, breadboarding
ASSIGNED: Breadboard Project


Soldering, Assembly, Reflow


Radios, Serial, Basestation Communication, and Visualizations
ASSIGNED: Assemble Project


Project Deliverable #5a: Breadboard Project Due (demo for instructor BEFORE end of school day)


Guest Lecture (TBA), instructor at conference.


Guest Lecture (TBA), instructor at conference.


Guest Lecture (TBA), instructor traveling.
Project Deliverable #5b: Assemble Your Project Board (show to instructor BEFORE end of school day)


Guest Lecture (TBA), instructor traveling.

No Class: instructor traveling


Workshop Day: Final Project
Bring your laptop, launchpad, project boards, and any sensors circuits or components you would like to use with your project. I will help you make them work.

Workshop Day: Final Project
Bring your laptop, launchpad, project boards, and any sensors circuits or components you would like to use with your project. I will help you make them work.

Thanksgiving Holiday (no class)


Workshop Day: Final Project
Bring your laptop, launchpad, project boards, and any sensors circuits or components you would like to use with your project. I will help you make them work.
ASSIGNED: Final Report Assignment Doc
ASSIGNED: Final Demo Assignment Doc

Workshop Day: Final Project
Bring your laptop, launchpad, project boards, and any sensors circuits or components you would like to use with your project. I will help you make them work.

Project Deliverable #6: Demo Day, Report due at the end of the demo