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Communication in Embedded Systems

Course

This course provides a comprehensive overview of key physical communication mediums and protocols commonly used in embedded systems, including I2C, SPI, UART, and CAN/LIN. It covers each protocol's unique use cases and helps learners understand the differences and trade-offs between them. By the end of the course, students will be able to determine which communication bus is best for specific problems, identify relevant pins or nets in schematics, and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each communication option.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of key physical communication mediums and protocols commonly used in embedded systems, including I2C, SPI, UART, and CAN/LIN. It covers each protocol's unique use cases and helps learners understand the differences and trade-offs between them. By the end of the course, students will be able to determine which communication bus is best for specific problems, identify relevant pins or nets in schematics, and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each communication option.

  • Beginner

  • 3 weeks

  • Last Updated January 20, 2025

Skills you'll learn:

I2CSPI

Prerequisites:

Basic C++

Beginner

3 weeks

Last Updated January 20, 2025

Skills you'll learn:

I2C • SPI • LIN Bus • CAN Bus

Prerequisites:

Basic C++

Course Lessons

Lesson 1

I2C

Explore the I2C protocol, its history, architecture, and usage to simplify PCB communication, reduce complexity, enhance flexibility, and efficiently connect multiple ICs.

Lesson 2

SPI

Learn the essentials of SPI: a full-duplex, 4-wire protocol used in embedded systems, advantages, connection types, clock polarity, configuration, and practical exercises with ATmega16.

Lesson 3

UART

Explore UART communication: understand its asynchronous nature, physical layer components, data frame structure, and practical implementation in microcontrollers for serial interfacing.

Lesson 4

LIN

Learn LIN bus architecture and its leader-follower model for efficient, noise-filtered communication in embedded systems, essential for non-critical automotive applications.

Lesson 5

CAN

Master CAN bus technology: understand its physical layer, protocol, and frame structures. Practice filtering, configuring, and handling data with interactive coding exercises.

Lesson 6 • Project

Simple Vehicle Communication Project

Explore project basics: Introduction, executing instructions, and setting up environments on local machines or workspaces.

Taught By The Best

Photo of Karim Mansour

Karim Mansour

Embedded Systems Expert

Karim is an embedded systems expert with experience developing advanced technologies at companies like NXP, Qualcomm, and Audi. His daily work involves building embedded solutions for autonomous driving, robotics, and biotech systems. Beyond his technical expertise, Karim has a passion for teaching and enjoys sharing his knowledge, simplifying difficult topics for others to grasp.

Photo of Doug Nappier

Doug Nappier

Lead Embedded BSP Engineer at Crestron

Doug Nappier is a Lead Embedded BSP Engineer at Crestron Electronics with expertise in firmware and embedded systems. Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, he has worked at companies like Line 6, MeshTek Labs, and Paragon Innovations, developing software for IoT and BLE mesh technologies across consumer, commercial, and medical products. He holds a degree from Texas A&M University and is skilled in C programming and embedded software development.

Photo of Omar Abdelgelil

Omar Abdelgelil

Model Based Design Engineer at Valeo

Omar Abdelgelil is a Model Based Design Engineer at Valeo and a content creator at Udacity. He combines his expertise in MBSE, control systems, and system engineering with a passion for accessible coding education. Omar holds a bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering from Ain Shams University, where he worked on a software system for an autonomous underwater vehicle. He specializes in MATLAB, Simulink, and Stateflow, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in software development.

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Demonstrate proficiency with practical projects

Projects are based on real-world scenarios and challenges, allowing you to apply the skills you learn to practical situations, while giving you real hands-on experience.

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Reviewers provide timely and constructive feedback on your project submissions, highlighting areas of improvement and offering practical tips to enhance your work.

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Your subscription also includes:

C++

(809)

3 months

Intermediate

SQL

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2 months

Beginner

About Communication in Embedded Systems

This course provides a comprehensive overview of key physical communication mediums and protocols commonly used in embedded systems, including I2C, SPI, UART, and CAN/LIN. It covers each protocol's unique use cases and helps learners understand the differences and trade-offs between them. By the end of the course, students will be able to determine which communication bus is best for specific problems, identify relevant pins or nets in schematics, and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each communication option.

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