Course Overview

IoT & Smart Device Programming

Module 1: Sensors, Actuators, & Microcontrollers (MCUs)

This foundational module introduces the hardware components that form the “Things” in the Internet of Things. We begin by differentiating between Microprocessors (MPUs) and Microcontrollers (MCUs), emphasizing why MCUs (which integrate CPU, RAM, and I/O on a single chip) are ideal for low-power, resource-constrained IoT devices. Learners will study the role and types of Sensors (e.g., temperature, light, motion) for data acquisition and Actuators (e.g., relays, motors, LEDs) for physical control. A critical focus is placed on understanding GPIO (General-Purpose Input/Output) pins and basic communication interfaces like I2C and SPI used for connecting peripherals.

Module 2: Embedded Programming (Arduino / ESP32)

This practical module focuses on writing firmware for popular development boards. We will contrast the capabilities of the Arduino platform (known for its simplicity and community support) against the more powerful, Wi-Fi-enabled ESP32 (known for its dual-core processing, integrated Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and higher memory). Programming will primarily use the Arduino IDE (based on C/C++), covering syntax, utilizing specific libraries for sensors, and implementing the fundamental setup() and loop() functions. By the end of this module, learners will be able to control sensors and actuators and display data locally.

Module 3: IoT Communication Protocols

This module addresses how devices “talk” to each other and the cloud. It introduces various protocols, categorizing them based on range and power consumption. We will cover short-range protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy/BLE) and long-range protocols (e.g., LoRaWAN). The central focus is on Application Layer Protocols optimized for IoT:

1. HTTP/HTTPS: Used for direct, request-response communication with cloud APIs (suitable for devices with continuous power).
2. MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport): The primary lightweight, publish/subscribe messaging protocol for resource-constrained devices, ensuring reliable communication over high-latency or low-bandwidth networks.

Module 4: Cloud IoT Platforms (Blynk / Firebase / MQTT Brokers)

This module focuses on the crucial “Internet” side of the IoT solution—the cloud backend. Learners will work with platforms that facilitate data storage, visualization, and remote control:

1. Cloud Data Management: Using solutions like Firebase Realtime Database for efficient, real-time data storage and synchronization with web or mobile front-ends.
2. IoT Dashboards (Blynk): Utilizing low-code platforms like Blynk to quickly create user-friendly mobile and web dashboards for monitoring sensor data and sending control commands back to the devices.
3. Managed MQTT Brokers: Understanding how managed cloud MQTT services route messages between thousands of devices reliably and securely. The concept of the “Device Shadow” will be introduced to maintain the last reported state of a device, even when it is offline.

Module 5: End-to-End IoT Project Implementation

The capstone module synthesizes all learned components into a fully functional, end-to-end IoT system. The IoT Project will follow a structured lifecycle: defining requirements, selecting optimal hardware (e.g., ESP32 for its connectivity), developing the embedded firmware, integrating the selected MQTT or HTTP protocol for cloud communication, and building a responsive cloud dashboard (e.g., on Blynk or a custom web app using Firebase). This module emphasizes robust error handling, power management considerations, and the importance of Over-The-Air (OTA) updates for real-world device maintenance.