AVR Microcontroller Programming Course Plan

Code: 11007-PEM

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✨ Introduction:

This course is designed to equip you with the essential and advanced skills needed to program and build embedded systems using AVR microcontrollers. Whether you are a beginner stepping into microcontrollers or someone seeking to strengthen low-level programming skills, this course offers a structured and project-driven learning path.

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📜 Description:

“AVR Microcontroller Programming” is a hands-on, project-based course that takes learners from the basics of microcontroller architecture to building fully functional embedded systems.
The course focuses on low-level control, enabling students to interact directly with hardware components, use assembly and C languages, and understand how devices communicate via protocols like SPI and I2C.
By the end of the course, learners will be capable of designing, coding, and deploying real-world embedded solutions.

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🎯 Course Objectives:

• Understand the architecture and structure of AVR microcontrollers.

• Learn programming AVR using C and Assembly languages.

• Work with digital and analog input/output interfaces.

• Utilize timers, interrupts, and communication protocols (USART, I2C, SPI).

• Implement practical embedded system projects.

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⏳ Course Duration:

• 8 Weeks (2 sessions per week)

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🔰 Prerequisites:

• Basic knowledge of electronics (circuits and fundamental components).

• Basic programming knowledge (preferably C language).

• Possession of an AVR development board such as ATmega328 or ATmega32.

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🛠️ Tools and Software:

• AVR Studio or Microchip Studio (Development Environment).

• AVR GCC Compiler (for C programming).

• AVR Programmer like USBasp or AVRISP mkII.

• Hardware Kit: AVR board, LEDs, LCD displays, sensors, motors.

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📚 Detailed Syllabus:

Week 1: Introduction to AVR Microcontrollers

• Lecture 1: Introduction to AVR

  • What is AVR? Why is it used in embedded systems?

  • Comparison between AVR, PIC, and ARM.

  • AVR structure: CPU, memory, I/O ports.

• Lecture 2: Development and Programming Tools

  • Setting up the development environment (Microchip Studio).

  • Understanding programmers (USBasp, AVRISP).

  • Writing the first “Hello World” program (LED on/off).

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Week 2: Basic Programming with C and Assembly

• Lecture 3: Basics of C Programming for AVR

  • Introduction to C for embedded systems.

  • Using the AVR GCC Compiler.

  • Basic I/O function handling.

• Lecture 4: Assembly Programming in AVR

  • Introduction to Assembly language for AVR microcontrollers.

  • Writing simple Assembly programs.

  • Comparison between C and Assembly programming.

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Week 3: Digital Input/Output Handling

• Lecture 5: Digital I/O Basics

  • AVR I/O ports overview.

  • Configuring ports as input or output.

  • Controlling LEDs using AVR.

• Lecture 6: Using Buttons and Switches

  • Reading button states (Pull-up & Pull-down Resistors).

  • Mini-project: Control LED using buttons.

  • Button debouncing techniques.

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Week 4: Analog Input (ADC)

• Lecture 7: Analog to Digital Conversion (ADC)

  • What is ADC and how does it work?

  • Setting up and using ADC in AVR.

  • Reading analog sensor values (e.g., temperature sensors).

• Lecture 8: Processing Analog Data

  • Converting analog signals to digital.

  • Displaying data on an LCD screen.

  • Practical project: Read and display temperature sensor data.

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Week 5: Timers and Interrupts

• Lecture 9: Timers

  • Types of timers (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2).

  • Modes of operation (Normal, CTC, PWM).

  • Practical project: Control LED brightness using PWM.

• Lecture 10: Interrupts

  • What are interrupts and how do they work?

  • Setting up external and internal interrupts.

  • Practical project: LED control using button interrupt.

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Week 6: Communication Interfaces (USART, SPI, I2C)

• Lecture 11: Serial Communication (USART)

  • Setting up UART communication.

  • Sending and receiving data via PC.

  • Practical project: Communication between AVR and PC using UART.

• Lecture 12: Advanced Communication (SPI & I2C)

  • Setting up SPI and I2C interfaces.

  • Communicating with external devices (e.g., sensors, LCDs).

  • Practical project: Read sensor data using I2C.

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Week 7: Persistent Storage and Ready-made Libraries

• Lecture 13: EEPROM Memory

  • What is EEPROM and its uses?

  • Reading and writing data to EEPROM.

  • Practical project: Store and retrieve user settings.

• Lecture 14: Using AVR Libraries

  • Utilizing ready-made libraries for easier programming.

  • Examples of LCD, UART, I2C libraries.

  • Customizing libraries as needed.

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Week 8: Advanced Projects and Course Review

• Lecture 15: Advanced Projects

  • Servo motor control project using PWM.

  • Security system project using Keypad and LCD.

  • Digital clock project using RTC Module.

• Lecture 16: Review and Assessment

  • Comprehensive review of all concepts.

  • Discussion of problems and their solutions.

  • Final evaluation of the course and projects.

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📘 Materials and Resources:

• Theoretical explanations and references.

• Practical examples and application projects.

• Ready-to-use and editable code samples.

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🏆 Course Outcomes:

• Deep understanding of AVR microcontroller architecture.

• Ability to program AVR in both C and Assembly languages.

• Capability to implement complete practical projects.

• Advanced skills in device communication and external control.

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⏳ Time Frame:

• Duration: 8 weeks

• Sessions: 2 sessions per week (theoretical and practical)

• Total Hours: ~32 sessions (approximately 48–60 hours)