Lesson 1. Introduction to the Course (see note about required USB cable)

Summary

In this course on bare metal embedded software development using STM32, Gene Schrader offers a blend of theory and hands-on experience to guide learners in becoming skilled embedded system developers. The course covers a mix of embedded system theory, software development, and the STM32-specific environment setup. It also dives into software architecture, showcasing the start of a primitive operating system. With a focus on C programming, basic computer concepts, and practical tools, this course equips learners with essential skills to thrive in embedded systems development, drawing from the instructor's 40 years of experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 This course is focused on bare metal embedded software development using STM32, aimed at helping developers become well-rounded embedded system software developers.
• 😀 The course consists of 25 lessons that combine theory and practical aspects of embedded systems, starting from software setup to deeper architectural design.
• 😀 The course is not a 'cookbook' for quickly getting code running but rather offers a broader perspective on embedded software development.
• 😀 The first part of the course blends theory (such as MCU operation) with practical development, preparing students for a course project based on STM32 and STM32 Cube IDE.
• 😀 Some of the theoretical lessons might seem less exciting but are critical for becoming a better embedded developer, with a balance of practical and theoretical content to keep students engaged.
• 😀 The second part of the course covers software architecture and explores a basic layer of software for bare-metal systems, leading to a primitive operating system concept.
• 😀 Good software design, even for bare-metal systems, is as important as in Linux and mobile apps, and this course focuses on essential principles for good design.
• 😀 Knowledge of the C language is a key prerequisite, as C remains the foundational language in embedded systems development, especially in conjunction with Linux.
• 😀 The course recommends reading and fully understanding C code line by line, as reading others' code is an essential skill for real-world embedded development.
• 😀 A basic understanding of computer concepts such as CPUs, memory, and hexadecimal numbers is necessary for the course, but no prior knowledge of hardware or electronics is required.
• 😀 The STM32 Nucleo board (specifically the Nucleo F401RE) is used for development, and the STM32 Cube IDE is employed as the primary tool, although other similar boards should work with minimal changes.

Q & A

What is the main goal of this course on embedded software development?

The main goal of the course is to help students become successful, well-rounded embedded system software developers, with a focus on bare metal development using the STM32.

What kind of approach does this course take towards teaching embedded systems?

The course takes a broader approach that combines both theory and practice. It avoids being a cookbook for quickly getting code running, and instead emphasizes understanding embedded system operation and design principles.

How is the course structured in terms of content?

The course is divided into two parts: the first focuses on theory and practical software development setup, and the second part delves into software architecture and design, using a custom base layer to explore the foundations of a primitive operating system.

What is the focus of the second part of the course?

The second part of the course is dedicated to studying a simple software architecture for bare metal systems. It includes designing and using custom software to create a primitive operating system for embedded systems.

What is the instructor's view on software design in embedded systems?

The instructor believes that good software design is crucial in embedded systems, even in bare metal environments, just as it is for complex systems like Linux and mobile apps.

What are the key prerequisites for this course?

The key prerequisites include a basic knowledge of the C programming language, some understanding of computer concepts like CPUs and memory, and familiarity with hexadecimal numbers. Knowledge of hardware and electronics is helpful but not essential.

Which hardware is primarily used in the course, and are there any alternatives?

The course primarily uses the STM32 Nucleo F401RE board, though similar STM32 Nucleo boards can also be used with minimal changes required.

Which development tools are used in this course?

The course uses the STM32 Cube IDE, a free tool from STMicroelectronics based on Eclipse, along with a terminal emulator like PuTTY for communicating with the board. The course also integrates a GSM hardware module, but it is not mandatory.

What is the significance of the pictures shown in the presentation slides?

The pictures on the slides are historical and personal to the instructor. They include images of microprocessors like the 6502 and 8085, which were used in the instructor's early days of embedded systems work, offering context and inspiration for the course.

What is the instructor's perspective on reading code versus writing code?

The instructor emphasizes that while writing code is fun, reading and fully understanding others' code is a vital skill, as real-world embedded software development often involves more code reading than writing.