Week 4¶
Credits to ChatGPT for generating the definitions. I have used the prompt Generate the defination of *your word* to generate all the definations. To generate some explantions for the softwares, I have used the prompt Can you explain further on *the name of your software*.
Vocabulary¶
Microcontroller Basics¶
Microcontroller Unit (MCU) – A compact integrated circuit that controls a specific function.
Development Board – A PCB with an MCU and other components for easier programming and prototyping.
Firmware – A low-level program permanently stored in the MCU’s memory.
IDE (Integrated Development Environment) – Software used for writing, compiling, and uploading code to an MCU.
Bootloader – A small program that loads firmware onto the MCU.
Pin Configurations & Peripherals¶
Peripherals - external or built-in hardware components that connect to a microcontroller (MCU) to extend its functionality.
Power Pins – Provide voltage to the board (e.g., GND, 3.3V, 5V).
GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) Pins – Versatile pins used for input and output functions.
Analog Pins (A0, A1, etc.) – Used for reading sensor values (voltage-based signals).
Digital Pins – Handle binary values (HIGH/LOW) for interfacing with modules and components.
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) – A digital signal that mimics an analog signal by varying duty cycles.
I2S Pins – Communication protocol for sound-related applications.
Reset Button – Resets the board by restarting the MCU.
Programming & Software Concepts¶
Arduino Language – Simplified programming language based on C/C++.
C Programming – A low-level language offering speed and memory efficiency.
Library – A collection of pre-written code that simplifies hardware interaction.
Function – A reusable block of code that performs a specific task.
Variable – A named storage location for data.
Serial Monitor – A debugging tool for sending and receiving data from the MCU.
Write - Writing means sending data to a device, variable, or memory. In microcontrollers, writing can mean sending signals to a pin (e.g., turning an LED on/off) or storing values in memory.
Read - Read means receiving or retrieving data from a device, sensor, or memory. In microcontrollers, reading can mean getting input from a pin (e.g., reading a button press or sensor value).
Electronics & Circuitry¶
Breadboard – A tool for prototyping circuits without soldering.
Voltage (V) – The electrical potential difference (measured in volts).
Current (A) – The flow of electric charge (measured in amperes).
Resistance (Ω, Ohm) – The opposition to electric current.
Ohm’s Law – V = IR (Voltage = Current × Resistance).
Power Regulator – Maintains a stable voltage for the MCU.
Capacitor – Stores and releases electrical energy.
Resistor – Limits the flow of electric current.
Diode – Allows current to flow in one direction only.
Transistor – Acts as a switch or amplifier in circuits.
Extra Credit Vacabulary Learning¶
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation): A technique used to encode information in the form of a variable-width pulse. It is commonly used to control the speed of motors, dim LEDs, or adjust the power delivered to a load.
AC (Alternating Current): An electric current that reverses direction periodically, as opposed to direct current (DC), which flows in only one direction. AC is commonly used for transmitting electricity over long distances.
ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter): A device or circuit that converts an analog signal (continuous voltage or current) into a digital signal (binary values). It’s commonly used to interface analog sensors with digital systems like microcontrollers.
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): A device or circuit that converts a digital signal (binary values) into an analog signal (continuous voltage or current). It’s used when digital systems need to interact with analog devices, like generating sound or controlling analog sensors.
Oscillator: A circuit or device that generates a periodic waveform, typically a sine, square, or triangular wave. Oscillators are used in clocks, signal generation, and timing applications in electronics.
Fuses (Configuration): In microcontroller systems, fuses are configuration bits that determine how the microcontroller operates, such as setting clock sources, enabling/disabling features, or setting protection modes. Fuses are typically set during programming and cannot be easily changed after that.
Address: In computing and electronics, an address refers to a specific location in memory or a peripheral device where data is stored or accessed. It is used to uniquely identify a location for reading or writing data.
Registers: Small, fast storage locations within a microprocessor or microcontroller that temporarily hold data, instructions, or control signals. They are used for operations such as data manipulation, program execution, and communication.
Interrupt: A mechanism by which the normal execution of a program is temporarily halted to handle a specific event or condition, such as an external signal or timer overflow. After the event is processed, the program resumes execution.
Instruction Execution Timing: The measurement or estimation of how long it takes for a processor to execute an instruction. This is important for performance analysis and optimizing code, especially in real-time systems.
Port Multiplexer: A circuit or component that allows multiple devices to share a single communication port. It helps manage and select different input/output (I/O) sources, allowing a single pin or port to serve multiple functions, depending on the configuration.
Software¶
Arduino IDE¶
To download Arduino IDE, click on this link. It will direct you to a website with many download options for Arduino IDE. Tap on your operating system.
Setup your Arduino IDE.
Wowki¶
Wowki is an online electronics simulator that allows users to design, test, and debug microcontroller-based circuits, such as those using Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi Pico, without needing physical hardware.
I learnt how to use this software this week and made a simple simulation on it.
Thank You!
The template for this website was provided by Mr. Anith Ghalley and used with his permission