ARM-based Microcontroller Projects Using mbed
ARM-based Microcontroller Projects Using mbed gives readers a good understanding of the basic architecture and programming of ARM-based microcontrollers using ARM’s mbed software. The book presents the technology through a project-based approach with clearly structured sections that enable readers to use or modify them for their application. Sections include: Project title, Description of the project, Aim of the project, Block diagram of the project, Circuit diagram of the project, Construction of the project, Program listing, and a Suggestions for expansion. This book will be a valuable resource for professional engineers, students and researchers in computer engineering, computer science, automatic control engineering and mechatronics.
- Includes a wide variety of projects, such as digital/analog inputs and outputs (GPIO, ADC, DAC), serial communications (UART, 12C, SPI), WIFI, Bluetooth, DC and servo motors
- Based on the popular Nucleo-L476RG development board, but can be easily modified to any ARM compatible processor
- Shows how to develop robotic applications for a mobile robot
- Contains complete mbed program listings for all the projects in the book
Why Read This Book
You will learn ARM microcontroller fundamentals and practical mbed-based development by building complete, ready-to-run projects with circuit diagrams and full program listings. The project-first approach helps you move from concept to working firmware quickly and shows clear suggestions for expanding each design for IoT, sensor, and control applications.
Who Will Benefit
Students, hobbyists, and professional embedded engineers who want hands-on, project-driven experience building ARM Cortex-M systems using the mbed platform for IoT, sensors, and firmware development.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Basic C/C++ programming, basic electronics (reading schematics, basic soldering), and familiarity with microcontroller concepts such as GPIO, ADC, timers, and UART.
Key Takeaways
- Build complete ARM Cortex-M projects from block diagram to working firmware using the mbed platform
- Use mbed APIs to control GPIO, ADC/DAC, timers, PWM, and interrupt-driven peripherals
- Interface common buses and devices (UART, SPI, I2C) and integrate sensors, actuators, and displays
- Implement basic mbed OS/RTOS concepts for task timing and responsiveness in embedded applications
- Debug and test firmware on real mbed-enabled development boards and expand projects for IoT connectivity
- Adapt and extend provided circuit schematics and code listings to meet custom application requirements
Topics Covered
- Introduction to ARM Microcontrollers and the mbed Ecosystem
- Getting Started: mbed Online Compiler, mbed CLI, and Toolchain Setup
- Basic Digital I/O, LEDs, and Switches
- Analog Input/Output: ADCs, DACs, and Signal Conditioning
- Timing, PWM, and Interrupts
- Serial Communication: UART, USB CDC and Debugging
- Bus Protocols: SPI and I2C Peripheral Interfacing
- Sensors and Actuators: Temperature, Light, Motors, and Relays
- Displays and Human Interfaces: LCDs, OLEDs, and Keypads
- Connectivity and IoT: Ethernet, Wi‑Fi and BLE Examples (mbed-based)
- Intro to mbed OS / RTOS Features and Multitasking
- Advanced Projects: Data Logging, Control Systems, and Remote Monitoring
- Construction, Troubleshooting and Suggestions for Expansion
- Appendices: Parts, Schematics, and Sample Code Listings
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Compared with Carmine Noviello's Mastering STM32, this book is more mbed-focused and board-agnostic rather than STM32-HAL centric; compared to Elecia White's Making Embedded Systems, it is much more hands-on and project-oriented with less emphasis on deep system design theory.
