Fall 2023 Class

Career Minded Curriculum

What is microcontroller programming and why is it important to learn?

Microcontrollers are everywhere. They are in your keyboard, a printer, air conditioner, vehicles, smart phone, etc. Name something electronic and chances are, there is a microcontroller in it. A microcontroller (sometimes called an MCU or Microcontroller Unit) is a single Integrated Circuit (IC) that is typically used for a specific application and designed to implement certain tasks. Products and devices that must be automatically controlled in certain situations. The tech field needs highly skilled individuals to develop and maintain automated applications.

About the Class

Part 1 of a multipart series to get the student ready at a professional level embedded system development. This series along with the electronics and physics classes will help shape the student for a career in robotics, system integration, and control system development.

Please note that space is limited due to the lack of kits available. There is a shortage of certain electronics right now so I could only get enough parts for 9 kits. As my suppliers restock, so shall I. Thank you for your understanding.

The Introduction to Programming Microcontrollers class is a basic level control system class geared towards high school aged students wanting to get a feel for electronics and programming. The student will learn about how to navigate the Integrated Development Environment (IDE), learn about the controller, how to program a controller, learn about functions, understand processes, learn basic electronic fundamentals, and interfacing hardware. The student will become familiar with Analog signals, both input and output, as well as digital signals, both input and output. The student will have a basic understanding of how to acquire raw data and process that data to perform a simple task. Moreover, we will touch on basic communication between the controller and devices.

Moving forward with a career based class

If the student passes the class with a C+ or higher, it is encouraged that the student enroll in the advanced microcontroller class and the electronics class. These classes will build a good career foundation for the student. There will be subject matter taught in these classes that neither college or universities typically go over.

About the Instructor

The class is taught by Justin Loop. Justin has taught Industrial System Integration at the University of Houston. He has been in the system integration business for 30 years. He has a degree in mathematics, computer engineering as well as a masters in Computer Science. He and his wife are currently homeschooling two children. His daughter is currently learning about microcontrollers ; together they have built some amazing projects.

Additional Details

This class requires a microcontroller kit. Please purchase this at least one week before the class starts. The kit can be purchased here: https://buy.stripe.com/fZe8zS1Z71m6cLe28f