Examination arrangement

Course content

Introduction to microcontroller programming (skills learning):

• Microcontroller (Arduino, ESP32): architecture, I / O functionality, serial ports and wireless communication
• Choice of programming platform, language and type (block or text)
• Arduino C: Program structures, data types and variables, operators, control structures, functions, data structures, libraries, communication with sensors and actuators
• Programming and simulation tools

Introduction to Internet of Things (IoT) (knowledge learning):

• What is IoT, trends, applications, how is IoT expected to affect the labor market and society
• Basic IoT architecture: Sensors and sensor nodes, networks, cloud -
• Wireless sensor networks, applied protocols
• The role of web servers in the cloud, data analysis and visualization

Sensors, actuators and electronics (skills learning):

• A review of technology and operation of sensors / actuators and electronics typically used in IoT solutions.
• Practical interfaces between sensors / actuators and microcontrollers
• Sensors: Temperature, light, movement, distance, inclination, humidity, pressure, gas, RFID, etc.
• Actuators: LED, relay, buzzer, servo and DC motor, etc.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student must have acquired basic competence in programming and use of Arduino microcontroller-based development boards connected to sensors and actuators, as well as troubleshooting. A thorough introduction is given to the principles for a number of sensor and actuator types and shows how these are connected and communicate with the microcontroller. Students should be able to design simple systems, both local sensor nodes and systems that include two-way wireless communication with a network server, so-called IoT systems, for data collection and remote control of functions. The aim of using an IoT structure is to expand the possibilities for microcontroller systems and to provide students with knowledge of one of the fastest growing fields in the ICT sector. The course will not go into depth regarding the individual IoT elements, such as networks, communication protocols and cloud servers. The teaching will be student active and encourage the students to reflect on what is useful for their own subject area, at the same time as they through the exercise program and a larger project assignment will be able to develop student activities and practical teaching programs for their own teaching. Students will be encouraged to choose projects that are relevant to their discipline, for example in the areas of industrial IoT, health, and environmental monitoring or other "smart city" applications. After completing their studies, the student must have a solid knowledge base for further studies in the field.

Knowledge

The candidate must understand:

• the difference between block-based and text-based programming languages ​​and know when it makes sense to choose the different language types for pedagogical reasons.
• basic and some specialized constructions in the programming language Arduino C, which has established itself as one of the most preferred languages ​​for learning the programming of microcontrollers, due to low starting threshold and easy interaction with sensor and electronics circuits.
• the basic structure and operation of a microcontroller system.
• the basic elements of an IoT solution and how they work together.
• the technology in sensors that is typically repeated in IoT solutions, as well as the principles behind new sustainable technologies that aim to reduce the need for battery capacity at the individual sensor nodes (energy harvesting and low-power electronics).
• time in a project that includes programming, from problem formulation to ready-tested solutions, including an example of a relevant development platform.

Skills

The candidate must be able to:

• based on a given (microcontroller and a basic) function description, set up and program a simple IoT solution.formulate a problem that can be solved with a microcontroller with associated software, and write and test the program until a working solution.
• use simulation tools, such as Tinkercad Circuits, to test possible circuit and programming solutions.
• Program, troubleshoot and test simple sensor systems on a microcontroller platform.

General competence

The candidate must:

• be able to apply pedagogical methods to facilitate the topics for students in the relevant vocational fields (Electrical, Construction, and TIP)
• be able to communicate and discuss IoT-related technology on a basic level related to current issues within the various professions
• be able to acquire new knowledge and build further competence, especially in microcontroller programming, sensors and IoT solutions
• be able to convey the main themes of the course in a way that supports in - depth learning in the students
• have a good platform for learning other programming languages

Learning methods and activities

• Student-active teaching, where for instance the principles of team-based learning (TBL) are used.
• A key element in the course is a major project work (+ report) that will be carried out in connection with the department's (Department of Electronic Systems - IES) IoT lab. IES is responsible for the faculty's IoT strategy and the development of resources in the area, which will be used in the teaching of the course.
• In addition, 4 smaller, practical works (portfolio submissions) will be included in the grading.
• Collaboration between students is encouraged, and a wiki solution will be established where relevant learning resources are made available.
• The wiki will also be equipped with a blog where students can help each other, and questions can be asked to the teachers.
• It is expected that students prepare for the sessions, so that the focus during the sessions can be practical work with issues and tasks under supervision.
• Online tutoring classes will be arranged regularly based on Blackboard Collaborate.

Compulsory assignments

• Home assignment 1
• Home assignment 2
• Home assignment 3
• Home assignment 4

Further on evaluation

Project assignment with report submission counts 100% towards the grade, indicated with letter grades.

1 home assignment after each collection must be submitted. A total of 5 home assignments must be approved to receive a final grade in the course.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Has basic knowledge of electrical circuits

Required previous knowledge

No particular requirements

Course materials

Will be announced at the start of the course

Credit reductions