Embedded Electronics and SMART Design
Anticipated Time to Credential 60 hours | Cost Estimate: $875
(**Additional costs associated with this course are the responsibility of the student or school district. Costs are related to materials needed to complete weekly and the capstone projects. Weekly projects cost ~$50/weekly project and ~$200 for capstone project.)
Building upon fundamental skills, this credential equips learners with an understanding of intelligent systems. Students engage in the design, fabrication, and programming of their own electronic devices, simultaneously documenting workflows and addressing debugging challenges in real-time.
Upon successful completion and passing of this course, you will be eligible for the Embedded Systems Design Credential offered by The PAST Foundation’s Innovation FabLab. This credential is endorsed by esteemed industry partners, including The Honda Corporation, Honeywell, SenseIC, and The Fab Foundation.
If you are a teacher who has already completed this credential and have access to the necessary equipment you are eligible to have students participate in this credential course. Please contact the PAST Foundation Fab Lab at fablab@pastfoundation.org.
Course Overview
Building upon fundamental skills, this credential equips learners with an understanding of intelligent systems. Students engage in the design, fabrication, and programming of their own electronic devices, simultaneously documenting workflows and addressing debugging challenges in real-time.
Upon successful completion and passing of this course, you will be eligible for the Embedded Systems Design Credential offered by The PAST Foundation’s Innovation FabLab. This credential is endorsed by esteemed industry partners, including The Honda Corporation, Honeywell, SenseIC, and The Fab Foundation.
If you are a teacher who has already completed this credential and have access to the necessary equipment you are eligible to have students participate in this credential course. Please contact the PAST Foundation Fab Lab at fablab@pastfoundation.org.
What You'll Explore
Performance Indicators
Create and Fabricate a Functional PCB: Utilize CAM workflows to design and manufacture a high-performance printed circuit board (PCB).
Implement Embedded Programming: Develop embedded programming capabilities to enable interactive systems to function seamlessly.
Integrate Sensors and Actuators: Integrate sensors and actuators with custom microcontroller boards to enhance system functionality and data collection capabilities.
Generate Design Documentation: Utilize digital tools and reflection protocols to create comprehensive design documentation that accurately represents the PCB design and its functionalities.
Key Competencies
PCB Design & Fabrication
Embedded Systems Programming
Input/Output Device Integration
Workflow Analysis & Troubleshooting
Circuit Debugging and Optimization
Technical Documentation & Reflection
Skills You'll Learn
Electrical CAD and PCB Design
Students will design machine components, 3D assemblies, and create custom parts optimized for 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC milling.
Students will design custom PCBs using EDA (Electronic Design Automation) modular electronics. They will also test and document the wiring, pin assignments, and testing procedures to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the devices.
Microcontroller integration and debugging
Students will apply their knowledge of system integration to design electrical layouts for microcontrollers, motor drivers, batteries, and electronic safety components.
Embedded programming fundamentals
Students will learn and apply their knowledge of microcontroller architectures (AVR, ARM, Cortex) and memory organization, as well as peripheral capabilities, to practical problems.
Students will learn the difference between microcontrollers and microprocessors, and how their designs affect power use and which ones are best for different tasks.
Students will acquire data sheet literacy, enabling them to extract essential information for programming and interfacing purposes.
Students will utilize Programming Protocols, specifically employing appropriate methods to upload code.
Students will utilize programming environments such as the Arduino IDE, MicroPython, and PlatformIO.
Students will apply the principles of Interaction and Communication to create a board that is functional, responsive, and effective in communication.
Students will apply Debugging and Documentation skills—systematically identifying and resolving code and hardware issues, and recording code, decisions, and outcomes for learning and assessment purposes.
Industry Jobs You Can Obtain With This Credential
Alignment with the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model
The skills and key competencies found in Embedded Systems and SMART Design course are strongly aligned with the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model, especially the Electrical/Electronics strand, which focuses on technical competencies for designing, building, analyzing, and documenting electrical systems, PCBs, and embedded devices for manufacturing contexts.
Alignment to Advanced CTE and Credentials Matter
The competencies and skills in the Embedded Systems and SMART Design course are strongly aligned with the frameworks and principles of Advanced CTE and Credentials Matter, particularly in areas related to digital technology, electronics, and engineering within Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways. (careertech.org)