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Week 6

I have used ChatGPT for generating the correct definationsof certain terms and then edited it accordingly. (Credit goes to AI!!)

Softwares used:

Arduino IDE

Arduino IDE: Open-source software simplifying Arduino microcontroller programming with a user-friendly interface, enabling code writing, compiling, and uploading for projects.

How to Download:

Visit the official Arduino website: https://www.arduino.cc/en/software

Click on the “Download” button to get the latest version for Windows.

Run Installer:

Once the download is complete, locate the installer file (usually a .exe file) in your Downloads folder.

Launch Installation:

Double-click on the installer file to start the installation process.

Security Warning:

If prompted by a security warning, click “Run” to proceed with the installation.

Setup Wizard:

Follow the on-screen instructions in the setup wizard.

Select Components:

Choose the components you want to install. Typically, you can leave the default selections.

Choose Install Location:

Specify the installation directory or leave the default location. Click “Install” to proceed.

Driver Installation (if prompted):

During the installation, you may be prompted to install drivers. Follow the instructions to install them.

Complete Installation:

Wait for the installation process to finish. Once completed, click “Close” to exit the installer.

Launch Arduino IDE:

Find the Arduino IDE shortcut on your desktop or in the Start menu. Double-click to launch the Arduino IDE.

Configure Board:

In the Arduino IDE, go to “Tools” > “Board” and select your Arduino board model.

Select Port:

Also in the “Tools” menu, choose the correct COM port under “Port.”

Kicad

KiCad: Open-source EDA software for designing printed circuit boards (PCBs), supporting schematic capture, PCB layout, and Gerber file generation.

How to Download:

  • Visit the official KiCad website: https://www.kicad.org/

  • Click on the “Download” tab in the menu.

  • Choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and click on the corresponding link.

  • Follow the provided instructions for your specific operating system to download the installer.

  • Once the installer is downloaded, run the installer executable file.

  • Follow the on-screen instructions to install KiCad on your computer.

  • After the installation is complete, launch KiCad to start using the software.

Vocabulary

  • Microcontroller: Integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals for embedded systems.

  • GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output): Pins on a microcontroller for flexible digital input or output, crucial for interfacing with external components.

  • Bootloader: Program that loads the main firmware into the microcontroller’s memory during the startup process.

  • Flash Memory: Non-volatile memory used for storing program code and data in microcontrollers.

  • In-Circuit Programming: Updating or programming a microcontroller without removing it from the circuit.

  • Debugging Tools: Software and hardware tools used to identify and fix errors in embedded systems code.

THANK YOU!


Last update: May 14, 2024