Skills you'll learn:

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
Prerequisites:
Beginner
3 weeks
Last Updated January 20, 2025
Skills you'll learn:
Prerequisites:
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

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.

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.

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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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.