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Certificate
Microcontrollers – ARM7TDMI
Course Outline
The Microcontrollers – ARM7TDMI (LPC2129) course provides an in-depth and practical introduction to embedded system design using a 32-bit ARM-based microcontroller. Learners will explore the architecture and programming model of the LPC2129, focusing on peripheral configuration, real-time processing and hardware–software integration.
The course covers ARM7 core architecture, pipeline structure, register banks, memory organisation and interrupt handling mechanisms. Students will configure and program essential peripheral modules including GPIO, timers, PWM, ADC, UART, SPI, I²C and the Vectored Interrupt Controller (VIC).
Through intensive laboratory sessions, students will develop embedded firmware in C, interface sensors and actuators, and build fully functional embedded applications. By the end of the course, learners will be capable of designing, programming, debugging and deploying reliable ARM-based embedded systems.
Key Information
- MQF/EQF Level: Not pegged/recognised by MFHEA
- ECTS: N/A
- Qualification/Certification Type: Certificate of Completion
- Course Duration: 20 weeks × 3 hrs/week
- Total Hours: 60 hours
- Delivery Mode: In-person (hands-on lab-based)
- Language of Instruction: English & Maltese
- Target Audience: 16+ years
Students must complete at least 85% of total learning hours (tracked via attendance logs, lab participation and assessment submissions). A Certificate of Completion will be issued accordingly.
Course Description
This unit provides an in-depth introduction to embedded system design using the LPC2129, a high performance 32-bit ARM7TDMI S–based microcontroller from NXP. Learners explore the device’s architecture, peripheral features and programming model, gaining the skills needed to design and implement reliable embedded applications.
The unit teaches the ARM7 architecture, focusing on the LPC2129’s pipeline structure, register set, memory map, and exception/interrupt handling.
A major portion of the unit is dedicated to the LPC2129’s peripheral modules, including general purpose I/O, timers, PWM units, ADC, UARTs, SPI, I²C and the vectored interrupt controller (VIC). Learners explore how these peripherals enable sensing, control, communication, and real time processing in embedded systems.
Practical programming is central to the unit. Students develop firmware in C, configure registers and implement embedded routines for timing, communication, data acquisition, and control. Hands on laboratory sessions involve working with a development board, interfacing sensors and actuators, and building small embedded applications that demonstrate the LPC2129’s capabilities.
By the end of the unit, learners will be able to interpret datasheets, configure and program ARM based microcontrollers, design peripheral driven embedded systems and troubleshoot hardware software interactions with confidence.
Entry Requirements
- Intermediate knowledge of Digital Electronics
- Understanding of logic circuits
- Basic C programming skills
Recommended prior completion of:
- Digital Electronics course
Target Audience
This course is designed for:
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering students
- Embedded systems learners
- Mechatronics students
- Robotics developers
- Automation engineers
- ICT professionals transitioning into embedded systems
- Technicians working with industrial controllers
- Developers seeking ARM-based system knowledge
Course Delivery
The programme is structured into eight modules, delivered through:
- Instructor-led lectures
- Firmware development workshops
- Datasheet interpretation exercises
- Hardware interfacing labs
- Debugging and troubleshooting sessions
- Final embedded system project
Course Structure
- Module 1 – ARM7TDMI Architecture Fundamentals
- Module 2 – LPC2129 Microcontroller Overview
- Module 3 – GPIO and Basic Peripheral Control
- Module 4 – Timers, PWM and Real-Time Control
- Module 5 – Communication Interfaces
- Module 6 – ADC and Data Acquisition
- Module 7 – Interrupt Handling & VIC
- Module 8 – Final Embedded System Project
- Final Assessment
Assessment & Certification
Assessment Breakdown:
- Practical Laboratory Assessments – 40%
- Mid-Term Theory & Programming Test – 20%
- Final Embedded Project – 30%
- Participation & Continuous Assessment – 10%
Upon successful completion, students receive a Certificate in Microcontrollers – ARM7TDMI.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Explain ARM7TDMI architecture and pipeline operation.
- Interpret and navigate microcontroller datasheets confidently.
- Configure and program LPC2129 peripheral registers.
- Develop firmware in C for embedded applications.
- Implement interrupt-driven systems using the VIC.
- Interface sensors and actuators using digital and analog peripherals.
- Implement serial communication protocols (UART, SPI, I²C).
- Design and troubleshoot embedded hardware–software systems.
- Develop a complete ARM-based embedded system prototype.
Course Intake Dates & Pricing
April 2026
Price: EUR 1100
Optional Add-on (please contact us for pricing):
- Basic Development Board + Programmer
- Full Kit (Board + Sensors + Cables + Debug Interface)
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