Peripheral Interfaces and Serial Buses

Syllabus

### EMB 205 Peripheral Interfaces and Serial Buses (4 credits)

**Course Description:**
This course delves into the critical world of peripheral interfaces and serial communication buses, which are the backbone of modern embedded systems. Students will gain a deep understanding of how microcontrollers interact with a wide array of external components such as sensors, actuators, memory, and displays. Topics covered include asynchronous serial communication (UART/USART), synchronous serial interfaces (SPI, I2C), USB basics, and an introduction to higher-level protocols like CAN and Ethernet. Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and extensive hands-on laboratory exercises, students will develop practical skills in interfacing hardware, writing driver software, and debugging communication issues, preparing them for real-world embedded systems development.

**Learning Outcomes:**
*   Analyze and select appropriate serial communication protocols (e.g., UART, SPI, I2C) for specific embedded system applications based on technical requirements.
*   Implement and debug software drivers for various peripheral devices using standard serial interfaces on a microcontroller platform.
*   Design and test hardware connections between microcontrollers and external sensors, actuators, and memory devices.
*   Utilize common embedded development tools, including oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, to diagnose and resolve communication issues.
*   Evaluate and apply basic concepts of higher-speed and network-oriented communication protocols such as USB, CAN, and Ethernet within an embedded context.

**Assessment Breakdown:**
*   Lab Exercises (5 total): 40%
*   Programming Assignments (2 total): 20%
*   Midterm Exam: 20%
*   Final Exam: 20%

**Policies:**
*   **Attendance:** Regular attendance is expected. Students are responsible for all material covered in class, regardless of attendance.
*   **Late Work:** Assignments submitted late will incur a penalty of 10% per day, up to a maximum of 5 days, after which they will not be accepted unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor due to documented extenuating circumstances.
*   **Academic Integrity:** All work submitted must be original. Plagiarism or any form of academic dishonesty will result in a zero for the assignment and may lead to further disciplinary action as per college policy.
*   **Disability Services:** Students with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact the Disability Services office to arrange for appropriate support.