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In regards to finding a project to start practicing, coupled with buying a dev board, I can recommend this course https://www.edx.org/course/embedded-systems-sh

by pracer 5y ago

In regards to finding a project to start practicing, coupled with buying a dev board, I can recommend this course https://www.edx.org/course/embedded-systems-shape-the-world-microcontroller-i?index=product&queryID=518c9ab50e6cd3aacedfe506a85bd68c&position=2 https://www.edx.org/course/embedded-systems-shape-the-world-... I did it some time ago, the board they use is pretty cheap and it could be a good starting point. Disclaimer: - I did this course (or similar, but same professors and same university) online some years ago, so I assume it has been updated. - I do not get any benefits, monetary or otherwise, for promoting this course or for new enrollments. I just recommend it based on my personal experience.

markus_zhang 5y ago
Hi pracer this looks good. Just curious are oscilloscopes and logic analyzers some software or we need to purchase both? (wouldn't be a bad idea to put down the $$ TBH if one wants to take hardware as a serious hobby) > Debug using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and software instrumentation
- the__alchemist 5y ago
  Oscilloscopes are hardware that can be used to analyze digital and analog signals. They may be able to interface with a PC (USB) using software as well. logic analyzers are small, usually cheap pieces of hardware that can analyze digital signals only, and rely on software on a connected PC. IMO even the $10 analyzers are great for digital (troubleshooting I2C, SPI etc), and can analyze many channels at once. You only need a scope for analog.
  - markus_zhang 5y ago
    Thanks, yeah I know what they are but not sure whether we need to purchase real ones or the course has some simulations. We have logic analyzers for just 10 bucks? Wow that's much more affordable than I thought. I thought both need like hundreds of bucks.
  - matt_the_bass 5y ago
    If I could only afford one, I would recommend the o-scope. Most firmware runs on bespoke hardware and the programmer can’t assume the hardware is abstracted away from the software. MANY bugs I’ve tracked down required electronics probing.

by pracer 5y ago

markus_zhang 5y ago

Hi pracer this looks good. Just curious are oscilloscopes and logic analyzers some software or we need to purchase both? (wouldn't be a bad idea to put down the $$ TBH if one wants to take hardware as a serious hobby) > Debug using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and software instrumentation

the__alchemist 5y ago
Oscilloscopes are hardware that can be used to analyze digital and analog signals. They may be able to interface with a PC (USB) using software as well. logic analyzers are small, usually cheap pieces of hardware that can analyze digital signals only, and rely on software on a connected PC. IMO even the $10 analyzers are great for digital (troubleshooting I2C, SPI etc), and can analyze many channels at once. You only need a scope for analog.
- markus_zhang 5y ago
  Thanks, yeah I know what they are but not sure whether we need to purchase real ones or the course has some simulations. We have logic analyzers for just 10 bucks? Wow that's much more affordable than I thought. I thought both need like hundreds of bucks.
- matt_the_bass 5y ago
  If I could only afford one, I would recommend the o-scope. Most firmware runs on bespoke hardware and the programmer can’t assume the hardware is abstracted away from the software. MANY bugs I’ve tracked down required electronics probing.