Embedded C

  • 02 Months
  • VI  Sem

  • Er. Preeti Verma,  Er. Nipun Pande

Introduction of Course :

Embedded C is a set of language extensions for the C programming language, designed to support embedded system programming. It is widely used to develop firmware for microcontrollers, which are the heart of most embedded systems.

Embedded C allows direct access to hardware, enabling precise control of memory, registers, and peripheral devices. It combines the simplicity and efficiency of C with specialized features like fixed-point arithmetic, I/O port handling, interrupt management, and bit-level operations that are crucial in embedded Due to its portability, efficiency, and real-time capabilities, Embedded C is the most preferred language for programming microcontrollers such as 8051, PIC, AVR, ARM, and MSP430. Most development tools (e.g., Keil, MPLAB, STM32CubeIDE) support Embedded C for writing and compiling code for embedded hardware development.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  • Explain the fundamentals of embedded systems and differentiate Embedded C from standard C programming.
  • Use appropriate data types, memory qualifiers, and bitwise operations to write efficient embedded programs.
  • Design modular and structured Embedded C programs using control statements, functions, and macros.
  • Program microcontroller peripherals such as GPIO, Timers, and Interrupts for real-time operations.
  • Develop a mini-project that integrates sensor inputs, actuators, and communication modules using Embedded C.

Course Plan:

S.No. Topics Contents
1. Introduction to Embedded Systems and C Programming Review
  • What is an Embedded System?
  • Types of microcontrollers and their applications
  • Embedded C vs Standard C
  • Basic structure of an Embedded C program
  • Lab: Set up IDE (Keil) and simulate a basic C program
2. Data Types, Operators, and Bit Manipulation
  • Embedded C data types
  • Memory qualifiers (volatile, const)
  • Bitwise operators and masking techniques
  • Bit manipulation macros
  • Lab: Implement LED ON/OFF using bit masking in simulation
3. Control Structures and Functions
  • Conditional and looping constructs
  • Function prototypes
  • Header files and modular programming
  • Inline functions and macros
  • Lab: Simulate a traffic light system using functions
4. Interfacing and GPIO Programming
  • GPIO architecture (specific microcontroller: 8051 / PIC / ARM)
  • Input/output operations
  • Denouncing techniques for switches
  • Lab: Blink LED, switch-controlled LED, 7-segment display
5. Timers and Interrupts
  • Timer basics and modes
  • Generating time delays
  • Interrupt handling: ISR, enabling/disabling interrupts
  • Priority and nesting
  • Lab: Timer-based LED blink, Interrupt-based switch input
6. Communication Protocols
  • UART (RS-232), I2C, SPI overview
  • Data transmission and reception
  • Lab: Serial communication to PC (via UART), LCD display using I2C
7. ADC, PWM, and Sensors
  • Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC)
  • Generating PWM signals for motor control
  • Interfacing sensors: Temperature, IR, etc.
  • Lab: Read analog data from sensor and display on LCD
8. Mini Project and Optimization Techniques
  • Project Examples:
    • Line
    • Home automation prototype using follower robot (logic only)
    • Smart lighting system
    • switches and sensors