This course introduces students to the architecture and design of Microcontrollers (MCUs), which are small processors used in a myriad of products. The main MCU components of the processor, memory, I/O interfaces and their interconnections will be examined, with a focus on the processor. The process of optimizing performance, energy usage and cost will be explored in a project where students will begin the development of an MCU in a system context.
Microcontrollers: Basic Architecture and Design
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
3 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Analyze and Compare MCU Architectures and Designs, particularly related to the processor.
Apply advanced techniques like power management and control, clock management and processor configuration to create optimal MCUs.
Optimize Performance, Energy, and Cost in MCUs and Systems.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
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Recently updated!
August 2025
Assessments
5 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 5 modules in this course
In this module we will discuss Microcontrollers (MCUs), their relationship to other processor types, their usage applications and how to evaluate them.
What's included
16 videos3 readings1 assignment1 programming assignment
In this module we will explore the basic MCU components, their functions and the busses used to connect them to each other.
What's included
11 videos1 assignment
In this module we will explore various methods for managing MCU power usage, including the clock system.
What's included
17 videos1 reading1 assignment1 programming assignment
In this module we will identify the alternatives for MCU processors and look closely at the processors from ARM.
What's included
15 videos1 assignment
In this module we will examine several additional functions created in the newer ARMv8 architecture and explain how MCUs are designed efficiently using configuration.
What's included
14 videos1 reading1 assignment1 programming assignment
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