Week 4 Embedded programming

It was a challenging week for me and I gained some embedded programming experience. Includes simple programming language, microcontroller features, etc. When the control program is running, it's really interesting.

Learning Objectives

Group assignment:
- Demonstrate and compare the toolchains and development workflows for available embedded architectures
Individual assignment:
- Browse through the datasheet for your microcontroller
- Write a program for a microcontroller, and simulate its operation, to interact (with local input &/or output devices) and communicate (with remote wired or wireless connection)

Group assignment:

I have practiced embedded programming using both Arduino Uno and micro:bit v2.

1.Tech specs

1.1 Comparison Between Arduino Uno and micro:bit v2

Feature	Arduino Uno	micro:bit v2
Microcontroller	ATmega328P	nRF52833
Memory	Flash: 32 KB, SRAM: 2 KB, EEPROM: 1 KB	Flash: 512 KB, RAM: 128 KB
GPIO Pins	14 digital pins (6 support PWM), 6 analog input pins	25 programmable GPIO pins (including 3 analog inputs)
Communication Interfaces	UART, SPI, I2C	BLE, NFC, USB, SPI, I2C
Power Supply	USB or External Power (7-12V)	USB or Battery Pack (2xAAA Batteries)
Dimensions	Approx. 68.6 mm x 53.4 mm	Approx. 52 mm x 43 mm
Programming Environment	Arduino IDE (Primarily C/C++)	MakeCode, MicroPython

1.2 Arduino Uno

The Arduino UNO is the best board to get started with electronics and coding. Datasheet

1.2.1 Board topology

1.2.2 Schematic diagram

1.2.3 Connector Pinouts

🛠️1.2.4Install Arduino IDE on Windows

✅ Visit the Official Website Website

💾 Download for Windows,Click on Windows Installer (for Windows)

💻 Install the Arduino IDE

Double-click the downloaded .exe file
Accept the license agreement
Select all components (default options are fine)
Choose an installation location (or keep default)
Click Install and wait for it to finish
Click Finish to launch the Arduino IDE

1.2.5 Upload and Run Arduino Program

Step-by-Step Guide:

🔌 Connect the Arduino Board: Use a USB cable to connect the Arduino to computer.
🖥 Open Arduino IDEArduino official website.
⚙️ Select Board & Port:
- Go to Tools → Board and select your Arduino Uno.
- Go to Tools → Port and select the correct port COM5.
📋 Code: Open the code.
✅ Compile & Upload Code:
- Click the ✔️ (checkmark icon) to verify the code.
- Click the ⬆️ (upload icon) to upload the code.
📟 Open Serial Monitor:
- Go to Tools → Serial Monitor .(shift+alt+M)
- Set baud rate to 9600.
- Check code

1.3 micro:bit v2

The micro:bit is a tiny programmable computer designed by the BBC for education. Datasheet

1.3.1 Connector Pinouts

1.3.2 How to Run a Program on micro:bit

🛠️ What You Need:

A micro:bit board (v1 or v2)
A USB cable
A computer (Windows)
A programming platform (MakeCode or Python)

🧩 Method A: Using MakeCode (Block-Based Programming)

Go to https://makecode.microbit.org
Click "New Project" to start coding with blocks
Click "Download" to get the .hex file
Connect your micro:bit to your computer via USB
Drag and drop the .hex file to the micro:bit drive
The program will upload and start running automatically

🧑‍💻 Method B: Using Python (MicroPython)

Go to https://python.microbit.org
Write your Python code, for example:

    from microbit import *
    
    while True:
        display.scroll("Hello!")
        sleep(1000)
      

Click "Download" to get the .hex file
Connect your micro:bit and drag the file into the drive

📌 Tips:

micro:bit v2 has extra features like sound, microphone, and touch sensor
Programs will auto-run when the board is powered on

✅ Summary

Arduino Uno is ideal for more advanced users who want flexibility and hardware control. Great for robotics, sensors, and real-world device building.

micro:bit is perfect for beginners and education. It has built-in features that make learning fast and fun, especially in classrooms.