This course is part of the Embedded Interface Design Specialization

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Bruce Montgomery, PhD, PMP

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Part of the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree
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Embedded Interface Design SpecializationUniversity of Colorado Boulder

About this Course

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This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5348, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.
M2M and IoT Interface Design and Protocols is the third of three classes in the Embedded Interface Design (EID) specialization, an online version of the on-campus EID class taught in graduate embedded systems design.  This course is focused on connecting devices to each other and to the cloud to create prototypes and actual systems that flow data from devices to consumers.  The class includes an introduction to M2M (Machine-to-Machine) and IoT (Internet of Things) concepts, using the cloud to develop IoT systems (specifically AWS (Amazon Web Services) and its IoT framework), a review of common communications protocols at every level of connected devices, and other IoT design concerns such as security, message queuing approaches, and the use and design of APIs and microservices .  The content ranges from general design best practices to specifics for select tools and methods, but all are presented to support developing embedded devices in IoT applications.  The class includes practical projects that let you try some of standard methods in software development of prototype graphical user interfaces for devices using AWS, Python, and optionally Node.JS.  This course can be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5348, part of CU Boulder's Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Course 3 of 3 in the

Embedded Interface Design Specialization

Intermediate Level

Some engineering design background is helpful. Basic Python (and optionally Node.JS) programming skills are needed for coding projects.

Approx. 8 hours to complete

English

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Skills you will gain

cloud connected systems
Rapid Prototyping
design of embedded systems
APIs and microservices

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 3 of 3 in the

Embedded Interface Design Specialization

Intermediate Level

Some engineering design background is helpful. Basic Python (and optionally Node.JS) programming skills are needed for coding projects.

Approx. 8 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.45/5 (36 Ratings)

Bruce Montgomery, PhD, PMP

Sr. Instructor

Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering

9,139 Learners

3 Courses

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

Start working towards your Master's degree

This course is part of the 100% online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted to the full program, your courses count towards your degree learning.

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

2 hours to complete

Introduction to M2M & IoT

An introduction to M2M (Machine-to-Machine) and IoT (Internet of Things) definitions, differences, and the importance of these elements in modern use and industry. Also a review of basic cloud architectures, and related terms and concepts. We also review system design and architecture tools like UML, use cases, and architectural patterns. Finally, we look at the class projects for demonstrating IoT and cloud-connected (virtual) devices and systems, and start to prepare for working with AWS, Python, and Node.JS.

2 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 64 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

8 videos

Introduction to Instructor3mIntroduction to Embedded Interface Design8mModule Introduction1mIntroduction to M2M and IoT13mCloud Architectures for Embedded Systems15mUML and Patterns for Architectural Design12mIntroduce Course Project - AWS IoT Interfaces4mModule Wrap-up3m

1 reading

Request AWS Account, Pre-Project Prep10m

1 practice exercise

M2M & IoT, Cloud Architectures, UML and Architecture Patterns30m

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Cloud for IoT

Review of key protocols and elements to build cloud-connected IoT systems, including the most common IoT application protocols that connect devices to the cloud - MQTT, CoAP, WebSockets. We then examine what cloud systems must provide to support IoT design, elements like over-the-air updates, digital twins, and serverless processes. Finally we review the make up of one of the most complete cloud environments, AWS, and also look specifically at how it provides a framework for IoT connected devices and systems. We also provide the first cloud-connected IoT coding exercise for the course.

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 56 min)

Week3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Communications Protocols

This module focuses on connections between devices and the protocols that enable those connections at several levels. We start at the board level of devices, and then look at low-level communications with protocols such as I2C, SPI, and UART. We then move up into personal, local, and wide area network protocols, both wired and wireless: Ethernet, USB, WiFi, Zigbee, etc. Finally we look specifically at long distance protocols for devices that will run on batteries for over ten years - cellular protocols like LTE-M and NB-IoT, and non-cellular protocols such as LoRaWAN and SIGFOX. We'll also create a second program to extend the first coding exercise to explore other cloud services and APIs.

2 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 40 min)

Week4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Other Cloud and IoT Elements

Here we review the final elements that we will include in our tool sets for designing cloud-connected IoT systems. We will look at alternative cloud platforms to AWS, both commercial and open source. We consider cybersecurity issues for IoT devices and systems, ways to test, harden, and prepare our systems for public exposure. And we consider some underlying software technologies that enable the structure of an IoT system: message queuing, APIs, and microservices. We will close with peer review of ours and other's coding exercises, and (optionally) prepare for the final exam.

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 57 min)

About the Embedded Interface Design Specialization

The objective of this specialization is to provide an understanding of interface design approaches and architectures for creating solid user experiences in embedded system prototypes and products. For both machine and user interfaces, we will look at the best practices for the interface design process, including considerations of the nature and content of interaction, whether between devices, between a device and a user, or in more complex systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

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M2M & IoT Interface Design & Protocols for Embedded Systems

About this Course

Skills you will gain