Introduction to Computer-Driven Circuits
The primary purpose of this introductory course is to introduce
the learner to the idea of building computer-driven electronic
circuits by using the Arduino computer platform in conjunction with
breadboard prototyping. The result will be some simple projects that
demonstrate how computers can interact with the physical world.
While the course introduces both electronic circuits and computer
programming, the assumption is that the learner has zero experience in
both areas. This means that there are explanations to everything that
is happening. The course should take around 2 hours.
To work through the content, watch the videos below in order. In addition to
the videos, circuit 'recipes' are provided for each project. These sheets show
how to wire the circuit and also provide the code needed for any computer
programs that are required. During the course, you will build the following projects:
- 1) an LED that lights up.
- 2) an LED that flashes on and off (BLINK)
- 3) an LED stop light
- 4) a tilt switch that lights an LED when the circuit is turned sideways
To facilitate the course, we are using this Arduino starter kit from Amazon.com
Videos and Handouts |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part | Videos | Length | Notes | Handouts |
| 1 | Introduction | 1:48 | A brief welcome to the class | No File Needed |
| 2 | Installing and using the Arduino IDE |
6:58 | This video walks through downloading and installing the Arduino IDE. If you already have the arduino IDE installed, jump to the 3:00 mark to go over configuration settings. | No File Needed |
| 3 | Circuit 1: Lighting an LED | 10:29 | This video walks through creating a simple circuit that lights a single LED. In the process, we discuss what a circuit is and how to use a breadboard. By the end of the video, circuit 1 should be complete. | Circuit1.pdf (Test) |
| 4 | Circuit 2: Blinking LED Circuit 3: Stop Light Challenge Circuit 3: Stop Light Solution |
18:14 4:45 8:03 |
The first video in section 4 describes how to modify your board for the
Blinking light project, and also how to write a program for the
Arduino. At the end of this section, you should have a blinking LED. The second video provides a challenge - create an LED stoplight. The third video in section 4 gives my solution to the stop light challenge. |
Circuit2.pdf (Blink) Circuit3.pdf (Stop Light) |
| 5 | Circuit 4: Tilt Switch Part 1 | 13:00 | This section describes the concepts of variables and IF statements to make decisions. At the end of this section, we are ready to start building the tilt switch | No File Needed |
| 6 | Circuit 4: Tilt Switch Part 2 | 13:57 | In this section we assemble the tilt switch circuit and write the code. | Circuit4.pdf (Tilt Switch) |