Module 2 will introduce the learner to more advanced firmware techniques as well move us into some hands on firmware for the microcontroller. We start by building our own memory access methods that will allow a programmer to manipulate peripheral memory bit fields to configure microcontroller peripherals and core architecture concepts. This will include more complex use of pointers for register definition files and function pointers for interrupt vector tables The module concludes with an in-depth look into the features of on-target debugging on a microcontroller and a hands-on example.

Module 3 will introduce the learner to efficient and maintainable ways of organizing data. Most microcontroller programs require some use of structured data in order to track and manipulate the control flow or data in a program. These can be as simple as unions, enumerations or structures, but can be more complex with the use of abstract data structures. While abstract data structures are often discussed in higher level software, there are many simple examples that are used frequently in embedded system software.