Introduction to IoT and Embedded Systems

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to:

the ever growing network of technologies connecting and communicating via the internet to send and receive data in the absence of human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. IoT consists of a network of smart devices, sensors, and actuators interconnecting with each other over the internet. IoT is rapidly evolving throughout the embedded industry. It is projected that there will be about 50 billion IoT devices connected to the internet by 2030.

In this course, you will learn about sensor programming on an embedded device, IoT device provisioning, and the latest wireless communication protocols including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and transport protocols such as MQTT. You will also explore the IoT data processing life cycle which includes capturing, cloud storage, and analyze data to various IoT devices.

This course focuses on the design of an IoT ecosystem which includes all the components that enable businesses, governments, and consumers to connect to their IoT devices. The IoT ecosystem consists of remotes, dashboards, networks, gateways, data storage, analytics, and security. Students will be using STM32 IoT discovery node and cloud to demonstrate IoT practical applications. Illustrations of 5G and an overview of the “Security of Connected Devices” laws enacted by several states in the U.S. will also be covered. At the end of the course participants will be able to design a prototype of an IoT solution using sensor data, communication protocol, cloud, safety, and security risks.

Course Highlights:

• Evolution and technologies used in IoT
• IoT embedded system programming, sensors and components
• IoT stacks and usage on sensors
• Design principles and methodologies used in IoT systems
• IoT cloud architecture, primarily Azure  
• Connectivity and programmming of IoT device using wireless transport and MQTT protocol  
• Case study for cybersecurity, privacy risks, safety and reliability
• Illustration and evolution of 5G myriad IoT applications including smart cities, water waste, and agriculture
• Explore IoT security laws enacted in several states in the U.S.   

Course Learning Outcomes:

• Identify different components of IoT
• Comprehend the complexity of the IoT stack
• Program embedded sensors and devices
• Provisioning, control and management of embedded IoT devices in the cloud
• Analytics and management of sensor data
• Implement appropriate  communication protocols and data format such as Json
• Appreciation of 5G potential for IoT ecosystems

Hardware: STM32 IOT Discovery Node 915MHZ - Mfg. Part # B-L475E-IOT01A. Part can be purchased from Digi-Key Electronics or any other reputable electronics dealer. This microcontroller is used in all four required courses in this program.

Course Typically Offered: Fall and Spring

Prerequisites: ECE-40153 Introduction to Embedded Systems and CSE-40476 C/C++ Programming II: Dynamic Memory and File I/O Concepts or equivalent knowledge and experience.

Next Step: After completing this course, consider taking other courses in the Embedded Systems Engineering certificate program. 

Contact: For more information about this course, please email unexengr@ucsd.edu.