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The Essence of Embedded Systems - Fundamentals (Embedded Systems Essentials)

An introductory course that lets you experience the entire embedded development process at once—from installing Linux to controlling a robot When you want to get started with embedded systems, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. This course is designed for those people to experience the entire process at once, starting with a single PC and ending with making a robot move. It covers everything from Linux installation and basic configuration, and preparing a Raspberry Pi, to reading circuit diagrams and datasheets, and practicing basic communication interfaces. Rather than focusing on depth, it focuses on understanding the overall structure.

(4.9) 17 reviews

108 learners

Level Basic

Course period Unlimited

Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi
Embedded
Embedded
robot
robot
embedded-systems
embedded-systems
python3
python3
Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi
Embedded
Embedded
robot
robot
embedded-systems
embedded-systems
python3
python3

Reviews from Early Learners

4.9

5.0

박지수

31% enrolled

Trying to study programming on my own was difficult because I didn't know where to start and there was no one to give me detailed guidance. However, this lecture explained everything so well, starting from how to download the software to the finer details, that I was able to study alone without any trouble. Furthermore, by clearly explaining why things should be done a certain way and why a specific option should be chosen among several alternatives, I no longer find myself saying, "I just did it because they did it." Although I'm still a bit unpolished, I can now explain my choices with my own reasoning.

5.0

박규현

100% enrolled

While studying embedded systems on my own, I always felt it would be great to have important points or tips. I really appreciated how this lecture clearly explained everything step-by-step from the basic principles through the eyes of an industry professional. Also, I feel like we live in a world where AI is commonly used and knowledge is easily accessible; however, thanks to your systematic teaching of the fundamentals, I was able to reflect on the times I studied haphazardly and firmly solidify my previously lacking foundation.

5.0

두랄루돈

100% enrolled

I felt lost while studying embedded systems, but this course helped me a lot in understanding the overall flow. By personally practicing everything from Linux environment configuration to basic interfaces like GPIO, UART, and SPI, I was able to get a feel for how embedded systems operate. I liked that it wasn't just a "follow-along" practice, but allowed me to connect concepts with actual operations. I felt it was a perfect course for beginners to build a solid foundation.

What you will gain after the course

  • You can independently set up the basic environment needed for development, starting with Linux installation. (Including BIOS configuration, OS installation, and basic development tool setup)

  • You can independently set up and run a Raspberry Pi–based embedded development environment.

  • I can understand basic hardware configurations by looking at circuit diagrams, datasheets, and breadboards.

  • You can distinguish the concepts and purposes of GPIO, UART, PWM, I2C, and SPI, and control them directly.

  • Operate a simple robot that controls sensors and motors to understand the overall flow of embedded systems.

From Linux to robotics
Embedded systems understood through architecture

The experience of completing an entire system, beyond just code



Firmware, RTOS, embedded Linux...

Are you wondering which way to go at the countless crossroads?
🤔


However, there is one essence to embedded development.

'computer architectureunderstanding' and

'The principles of controlling hardware'


Understanding the fundamentals is the fastest way to grow.


Why you should take this course now


Get one step closer to the essence of embedded systems
.



check 1.

Experience through a robotics project
'Real-world problems beyond the code'

"Clearly, the code is correct, so why does the robot move erratically?"
Real development begins the moment the code on the screen meets real-world hardware.

Through hands-on experience solving 'problems outside the code', you can get one step closer to real-world work.



check 2.

Essential Hardware Development Knowledge:
Master the Five Core Protocols

Have you ever felt overwhelmed when faced with a 100-page datasheet for a sensor you’re seeing for the first time?

GPIO, UART, PWM, I2C, and SPI are the “five standard languages” used to communicate with every component. In this course, you will delve into the operating principles of each protocol by directly analyzing the signals. Once you understand these principles, you will gain the ability to analyze and control which parts of a datasheet to read and how to translate them into code.


Check 3.

Go beyond the barriers of C
Experience embedded development with Python

Are you missing out on the fun of embedded development while wrestling with C language pointers and memory issues?

This course intentionally chose Python. Forget complex syntax for now and focus entirely on the very structure of 'software controlling hardware'. Once you understand the overall structure of the system first, you will be able to absorb C much more quickly when you learn it later.


From Linux to robotics,
a curriculum completed through solid hands-on practice

Embedded Systems Overview and Learning Roadmap

In this section, we analyze the high barriers to entry in embedded engineering and introduce the learning objectives and curriculum of Code Beginner Rescue Team (JCRT). We provide an overview of the core areas of embedded software, including firmware, RTOS, general-purpose operating systems, and host environments, helping learners understand the overall development process.

Host Setup (Boot Disk, Bootloader, Ubuntu)

In this section, you will install and configure Ubuntu as the basic environment for embedded development. You will build a solid foundation for the first steps of development by creating a boot disk, understanding the concept of bootloaders, and installing Ubuntu and configuring essential packages.

Raspberry Pi development environment setup and integration

Understand the Raspberry Pi’s boot structure and the role of the SD card, and create an SD card image for development in an Ubuntu environment. Efficiently configure the development environment between the host and target through remote access using SSH and VSCode integration.

Interfaces (GPIO, UART, PWM, I2C, SPI)

In this section, you will work directly with the low-speed hardware interfaces that form the foundation of embedded systems. Starting with input/output control via GPIO, you will progressively practice UART-based serial communication, LED control using PWM, and sensor communication based on I2C/SPI.

Robot Building

In this section, you will build and operate a real robot based on the interfaces and control technologies learned earlier. You will integrate each element—sensor input, control logic implementation, motor operation, and communication configuration—into a single system, gaining hands-on experience with the entire embedded development process.

Build it yourself, and run it yourself!

Point 1. Build a complete system from the basics

Experience the entire process of assembling a real robot and controlling it with code, from configuring the Linux environment and understanding circuits to controlling
GPIO, UART, PWM, I2C, and SPI.


Point 2. Recreate the real development environment exactly

Set up everything from Ubuntu installation and basic commands to
VSCode and an SSH-based remote development environment
just as it is done in the field.


Point 3. Control hardware with software

Based on circuit diagrams and datasheets,
you will implement low-speed interfaces yourself.
You will come to understand the boundary between hardware and software.

Point 4. Automate the completed system

Integrate sensor processing, motor control, and RFID recognition logic
and register them as a systemd service to configure an environment for automatic execution.

Are you feeling overwhelmed about where to start with embedded development?
This course was created specifically for people like you.


✔️ Beginners just starting out in embedded development

  • Those who want to experience the entire process, from installing Linux to controlling robots

  • Those who want to work directly with hardware by reading circuit diagrams and datasheets


  • Those who want to build a solid foundation by directly controlling GPIO, UART, PWM, I2C, and SPI.

✔️ Non-majors who want to work with hardware and software together

  • Those who want to create a working product in practice, not just learn the theory

  • Those who want to start in a PC environment and build a Raspberry Pi–based embedded development environment themselves

  • Those who want to understand how systems work through sensor and motor control

✔️ Beginner developers who want to grow quickly through hands-on practice

  • Those who want to learn through actual code and results rather than complex theory

  • ✔️ Those who want to gain hands-on experience assembling and controlling things themselves

  • Those who want to quickly grasp the overall structure of embedded development


The first step to understanding embedded systems,
The Essence of Embedded Systems - Basics—start here.

Notes Before Taking the Course


Practice Environment

  • The hands-on exercises are conducted using the Raspberry Pi 4B+ model.

  • Please prepare a MicroSD card of 64GB or more and a power adapter.

  • The course is conducted in an environment based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (on an actual PC or VM).

Prerequisites and Important Notes

  • Experience using basic Linux commands is recommended.

  • Understanding the basic syntax of Python 3 will be helpful for learning.

  • A basic understanding of hardware is recommended.

Learning materials

  • All practice source code and examples are provided through a public repository (Gitlab).
    You can continue using them after the practice by modifying and expanding them yourself.

  • Reference datasheets and library documentation are provided.


Recommended for
these people

Who is this course right for?

  • A beginner who wants to get started with embedded systems but feels overwhelmed about where to begin studying

  • Non-majors or beginners who have never directly worked with Linux or hardware.

  • A beginner developer who has only studied theory and hasn’t actually built anything.

  • Those who want to quickly experience the overall structure of embedded development firsthand

Need to know before starting?

  • This is a beginner-level course, so you should have a basic ability to use Python.

  • No other knowledge of the sport is required. Anyone can take the course as long as they know the basics of using a computer.

  • It’s okay if you have no experience with Linux, hardware, or programming. The course explains the necessary concepts from the beginning.

  • Basic PC experience (such as copying files and installing programs) would be helpful.

Hello
This is jcrt

Career Verified

369

Learners

24

Reviews

12

Answers

4.9

Rating

3

Courses

I am an engineer who has worked on everything from low-level development to system design for 14 years.

I have worked in practice, focusing on optimizing BSP, firmware, and Embedded Linux.

  • Current) Korini Rescue Team, Lead Engineer

  • Formerly Senior Software Engineer at a multinational corporation

  • Formerly a Senior Software Engineer at a major South Korean corporation

 

Practical and Educational Experience

  • Over 6 years of experience teaching and mentoring in embedded systems

  • Experience creating technical interviews and coding tests

  • Conducted extensive project and portfolio mentoring.

 

From low-level systems to AI,
we cover architectures that connect systems.

email: contact@jcrtlabs.com

 

 

More

Co-instructor

Curriculum

All

84 lectures ∙ (10hr 54min)

Course Materials:

Lecture resources
Published: 
Last updated: 

Reviews

All

17 reviews

4.9

17 reviews

  • maecom20216님의 프로필 이미지
    maecom20216

    Reviews 1

    Average Rating 5.0

    5

    100% enrolled

    I was interested in embedded systems but had never properly tried them before, so I felt a bit overwhelmed at first. However, it was easier to follow than I expected. Actually installing Linux and setting up the Raspberry Pi myself definitely helped me get a feel for it! Connecting the equipment directly and running things hands-on made it much easier to understand, and I especially felt a subtle sense of accomplishment when I connected the sensors and motors and saw them actually move. Overall, I think it’s a great course for those who are just getting started with embedded systems.

    • jcrt
      Instructor

      Thank you for your thoughtful course review! I believe embedded systems are a field where you gain a much deeper understanding by directly connecting equipment and operating sensors and motors, rather than simply studying the concepts. Although it felt a little overwhelming at first, I’m glad to hear that you found enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment as you built things yourself one step at a time. As someone who prepared the course, that makes me very happy. Thank you for completing the course, and I hope it serves as a great starting point as you continue to study firmware and embedded systems in greater depth. Thank you!

  • daag21701376님의 프로필 이미지
    daag21701376

    Reviews 1

    Average Rating 5.0

    5

    100% enrolled

    I took this course as a beginner in the embedded field, and it was a huge help because it guided me through everything from the most basic development environment setup to a systematic curriculum. I believe the greatest strength of this course is that it doesn't stop at just learning theory; it combines practice, allowing me to internalize what I understood mentally by implementing it directly into code. In particular, it was a truly beneficial experience to solidify vague concepts by manually controlling essential low-speed interfaces one by one, such as GPIO, UART, PWM, I2C, and SPI. Thank you for the great lecture.

    • jcrt
      Instructor

      Hello. Thank you for the valuable review you left after completing the course. I am glad to hear that it helped you find your direction at the starting point. This course was not just about explaining simple functions, but focused on grasping the flow of understanding a single system. I believe that now, having completed the course, is the real beginning. I will be rooting for you to naturally expand into deeper stages upon this foundation. Thank you.

  • kmhuh1515155686님의 프로필 이미지
    kmhuh1515155686

    Reviews 1

    Average Rating 5.0

    5

    100% enrolled

    I recently started a project, but since it was in a field I had never tried before, I felt quite lost. That was when I discovered this course, and I loved that it covered the relevant content. Furthermore, by explaining everything down to the smallest detail, it helped relieve the frustration I felt from the difficulties of development. Thank you so much for providing such a great lecture.

    • jcrt
      Instructor

      Hello. Thank you for your valuable review. I believe that starting a project in an unfamiliar field can feel quite overwhelming. I am glad to hear that this lecture helped alleviate some of that frustration. This course focuses on addressing the actual challenges you encounter, guiding you through everything from environment setup to detailed configurations step-by-step. It will be helpful to refer back to it as you continue with your project. I will be rooting for your future development journey. Thank you.

  • dldldmsgml4621님의 프로필 이미지
    dldldmsgml4621

    Reviews 1

    Average Rating 5.0

    Edited

    5

    55% enrolled

    I became interested in embedded systems and took this course to study them, and it was truly helpful in understanding the overall flow! Since the basic concepts were explained slowly, I was able to understand everything very well. Also, it wasn't just about learning code; the process of completing a whole system, from configuring the Linux environment to hardware control, made it much easier to understand. Thanks to this, I already feel a sense of confidence :)

    • jcrt
      Instructor

      Hello. Thank you for your thoughtful review. I am very happy to hear that you have already grasped the overall flow even though you are still in the middle of the course. This course was designed not simply to list features, but as a process of completing a single system, from Linux environment configuration to hardware control. I believe that embedded systems is a field that becomes much more interesting once you start to see the flow. The confidence you feel now will become a great asset in the future. I will be rooting for you to complete the rest of the course. Thank you.

  • hs1608kim8754님의 프로필 이미지
    hs1608kim8754

    Reviews 1

    Average Rating 5.0

    5

    100% enrolled

    It's not easy to find high-quality embedded lectures these days that teach everything step-by-step from the basics, so this was great to revisit as I started an embedded project again after a long time. I think it would be very helpful for students to listen to these days. haha

    • jcrt
      Instructor

      Hello. Thank you for your valuable review. As you mentioned, I believe there aren't many courses that cover the basics step-by-step. This course was designed so that you can return to it even while working on projects to check your fundamentals. Ultimately, I believe the basics are the most important aspect of the embedded field. Nothing would be more rewarding than knowing this helps students. Thank you for your kind words.

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