Embedded 101: Fundamentals

FA2025

intro
microcontrollers
wire protocols

Learning Objectives

  • Explain what embedded systems are and why security of embedded devices matters
  • Explain the various components of an embedded system and their purpose, including:
    • Microcontrollers
    • Peripherals
    • Flash memory
    • ICs (integrated circuits)
    • Sensors
    • Motors/solenoids
  • Explain wire protocol concepts, why they exist, and their use cases (e.g. UART/I2C/SPI)
  • Understand what hardware abstraction layers and embedded SDKs are
  • Understand the importance of datasheets, manuals, and documentation