01. Module1_LearningOutcomes

Learning Outcomes – Module 1: Foundations of Bare-Metal Programming

By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:

Conceptual Understanding

• Explain what bare-metal programming is and how it differs from Arduino-style abstraction layers.
• Recognize the need for low-level control in performance-, size-, and power-critical embedded applications.
• Understand the basics of registers, bit math, memory layout, and pointers.

Microcontroller Architecture

• Describe the core components of a microcontroller using a functional block diagram.
• Understand the roles of the clock system, reset logic, memory regions, and peripherals.
• Explain the concept of pin multiplexing and how GPIOs serve multiple functions.

Memory & Registers

• Understand how registers are mapped in memory and accessed at specific addresses.
• Interpret and modify Special Function Registers (SFRs) to control microcontroller hardware.
• Differentiate between code, data, stack, heap, and peripheral memory regions.

Datasheets & Reference Manuals

• Locate and interpret key information from a microcontroller’s datasheet (e.g., pin functions, electrical characteristics).
• Navigate a reference manual to identify and configure registers for various peripherals.
• Extract base addresses, bit fields, and register layouts to write low-level code.

Toolchain and Workflow

• Understand the basic workflow from writing embedded C to uploading it to a microcontroller using the toolchain utilities.
• Describe the purpose and sequence of components in the embedded toolchain:
  • Compiler
  • Linker
  • Startup files
  • Flashing tools
  • Debuggers

Next Up: Module 1 - Part 1 | What Is Bare Metal Programming?

---