EdX

Embedded Systems Essentials with Arm: Getting Started (edX)

Embedded Systems Essentials with Arm: Getting Started (edX)

Get practical without hardware. Quickly prototype and build microcontroller projects using industry-standard APIs. Embedded systems are everywhere – and Arm-based technologies are the industry standard. Getting started could not be easier. This course includes free access to an Mbed simulator so you can apply your new knowledge and skills to prototype and build real-world embedded applications quickly, without the trouble or expense of sourcing hardware.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see EdX's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

From the mobile, wearable, and smart devices of today to the transformative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 5G powered Internet of Things (IoT) of the near future, embedded systems are the fundamental building blocks of our connected world. As we move from billions to trillions of intelligent, connected devices, it’s crucial that the next generation of engineers have a thorough understanding of how to rapidly build and deploy a modern embedded system solution.
In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of an embedded system and discover why the Arm architecture and processors are particularly well suited for IoT applications.
Our interactive labs have been designed to cover the technical fundamentals, developing in-demand skills essential for any aspiring embedded systems engineer.
You will begin by learning the characteristics of an embedded system, its components, benefits, and constraints, identify cost-performance trade-offs, and explore why the Arm architecture and processors are particularly well suited for the IoT.
You will then apply your new knowledge of digital and analog I/O, interrupts, low power features, timer and pulse width modulation to program an audio wave generator and audio player, and control peripherals along the way.
All of this will be supported by the Mbed API – so no additional hardware is required, you can download and use the simulator right on your own computer.
Over the six modules, you will gain a key overview of:

  • Embedded systems and their importance in modern computing applications
  • Industry-standard Arm-based microcontroller architecture, their features and programming models.

The possibilities for future IoT development and connection are enormous. In order to achieve this vision of the future, many engineers and developers will be needed to imagine and design these connected devices and the technologies they are built on.
The world of embedded systems is your doorway into the IoT, and all the opportunities it has to offer.
This course is part of the Embedded Systems Essentials with Arm Professional Certificate.

What you'll learn

  • Learn how to implement real-world embedded system projects on a simulated microcontroller using the Mbed API.
  • Modify skeleton code to implement functionality for multiple applications: an audio wave generator, an audio player, and controlling peripherals using analog and digital I/O interfaces, interrupts, timers, and pulse width modulation.
  • Learn key features of Arm processors and architectures as the basis of modern embedded computing.
  • Understand applications of embedded systems and how a modern API can help accelerate IoT deployment.

Syllabus

The course consists of six modules

Module 1: Introduction to embedded system
You will be able to explain the characteristics of an embedded system and evaluate its benefits and challenges.

Module 2: Introduction to the Mbed Platform and CMSIS
You will be able to identify key features of the Mbed platform and run a basic application using the Mbed simulator.

Module 3: Digital I/O
You will be able to control GPIO peripherals using digital input/output interfaces from the Mbed API.

Module 4: Interrupts and Low Power Features
You will be able to explain and implement interrupts for the purpose of controlling peripherals, utilising the Mbed API.

Module 5: Analog I/O
You will be able to implement an audio wave generator whose pitch and volume are controlled by two analog signal inputs, using the Mbed API.

Module 6: Timer and Pulse-width Modulation
You will be able to develop an audio player incorporating timers, tickers, and Pulse Width Modulation using the Mbed API.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Leading Digital and Data Decision Making (edX) EdX
Arizona State University,ASUx

Leading Digital and Data Decision Making (edX)

In this course, you will learn how leaders make managerial and relevant decisions based on data across multiple global industries. You will also explore how companies benefit from a digital ecosystem including sensors (IoT), Blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented reality (AR) that move data-driven insights from the data scientist to the boardroom.

This course is archived
5-12 Weeks
Internet of Things: Multimedia Technologies (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, San Diego

Internet of Things: Multimedia Technologies (Coursera)

Content is an eminent example of the features that contributed to the success of wireless Internet. Mobile platforms such as the Snapdragon™ processor have special hardware and software capabilities to make acquisition, processing and rendering of multimedia content efficient and cost-effective.

Sep 14th 2026
3 Weeks
RISC-V Toolchain and Compiler Optimization Techniques (edX) EdX
Linux Foundation,LinuxFoundationX

RISC-V Toolchain and Compiler Optimization Techniques (edX)

Develop a working knowledge of the internals of compiler toolchains and compiler optimization techniques with a focus on RISC-V applications. As RISC-V has made it easier to bring up processor chipsets, the need for compiler engineers in the RISC-V ecosystem has increased. There is an implicit need for toolchain experts who can help RISC-V vendors gain an edge over competitors with their expertise in compilation technologies. Learning about internals of the toolchain, building and debugging RISC-V applications will allow you to work with thousands of companies that are building the latest hardware technologies.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Industry 4.0: How to Revolutionize your Business (edX) EdX
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,HKPolyUx

Industry 4.0: How to Revolutionize your Business (edX)

An introduction to the fourth industrial revolution, it's major systems and technologies and how new products and services will impact business and society. We have witnessed the power of mechanization in the early nineteen century, automation in the seventies, information and the internet in the last decades. But now, the adaptation of connected intelligence into the business and social fabrics is advancing at an astonishing speed, which will completely change the way we conduct business.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT) (edX) EdX
Curtin University,CurtinX

Introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT) (edX)

Gain an understanding of what the IoT is and the requirements to design your own IoT solutions. Start developing IoT ideas in your industry. The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding at a rapid rate, and it is becoming increasingly important for professionals to understand what it is, how it works, and how to harness its power to improve business. This introductory course will enable learners to leverage their business and/or technical knowledge across IoT-related functions in the workplace.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Introducción al Internet de las Cosas (edX) EdX
Galileo University,GalileoX

Introducción al Internet de las Cosas (edX)

Prácticamente cualquier objeto puede conectarse al Internet. Desde lavadoras hasta componentes sofisticados de aviones y aún cultivos inteligentes. La habilidad de conectar cosas y capturar información útil está transformando a las organizaciones en cada sector de la industria y está abriendo nuevas especializaciones de carrera. Descubre esto y más en este curso de introducción al internet de las cosas.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Embedded Systems Essentials with Arm: Get Practical with Hardware (edX) EdX
Arm Education,ArmEducationX

Embedded Systems Essentials with Arm: Get Practical with Hardware (edX)

Spark your creativity with Arm. Level up your Embedded Systems skills by developing working embedded prototypes using the Mbed API and an Arm-based development board, and unlock the boundless opportunities of the Internet of Things. Embedded systems are the fundamental building blocks of our connected world, and Arm-based devices are the industry standard. This course will provide you with the practical skills and confidence to build your own embedded system using the popular and affordable ST Nucleo F401RE development board.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
IoT System Design: Software and Hardware Integration (edX) EdX
Waseda University,WasedaX

IoT System Design: Software and Hardware Integration (edX)

Start developing your own Internet of Things (IoT) system with this exploration of the interaction between software and hardware. This course is designed to teach you how systems are developed using IoT technology. Many engineers and developers tend to focus on a single discipline - either software or hardware. However, in today’s connected age it's critical to have a comprehensive understanding of both disciplines and how they are intertwined.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Enabling Technologies for Data Science and Analytics: The Internet of Things (edX) EdX
Columbia University,ColumbiaX

Enabling Technologies for Data Science and Analytics: The Internet of Things (edX)

Discover the relationship between Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet of Things is rapidly growing. It is predicted that more than 25 billion devices will be connected by 2020. In this data science course, you will learn about the major components of the Internet of Things and how data is acquired from sensors. You will also examine ways of analyzing event data, sentiment analysis, facial recognition software and how data generated from devices can be used to make decisions.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
IoT Systems and Industrial Applications with Design Thinking (edX) EdX
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne,EPFLx

IoT Systems and Industrial Applications with Design Thinking (edX)

The first MOOC to provide a comprehensive introduction to Internet of Things (IoT) including the fundamental business aspects needed to define IoT related products. Internet of Things (IoT) and smart connected devices have radically changed the way our world works and how companies operate and create new businesses.

Self Paced
Self-Paced