EmbeddedSprint: A 14-day Embedded SWE fundamentals bootcamp

A 14-day intensive embedded systems bootcamp

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Overview

This structured, two-week program simulates the workflow of a junior embedded software engineer. It bridges classroom theory and hands-on firmware development—covering peripheral configuration, driver implementation, data structures, and debugging—so graduates emerge ready for internship challenges.

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Objectives

• Master MCU Fundamentals
  Configure STM32CubeIDE projects, GPIO, EXTI interrupts, timers, UART, SPI, ADC, and PWM.
• Solidify Protocol Knowledge
  Implement full-duplex SPI loopback, UART logging with ring buffers, and register bit-manipulation routines.
• Hone Debugging & Toolchain Skills
  Leverage Git workflows, Makefiles, Linux CLI, CubeIDE/GDB debugging, and logic-analyzer traces.
• Experience Real-Time Concepts
  Compare polling vs. interrupts, explore low-power modes, and prototype FreeRTOS tasks, queues, and semaphores.
• Automate & Integrate
  Build-and-flash scripts, log parsers, state-machine integration, and commit/tag discipline.

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Deliverables

This program will produce:

1. Daily Overviews
   Step-by-step guides for each day’s goals, tasks, boilerplate code, and success criteria.

2. Firmware Modules & Drivers

   • GPIO blink & debounced button
   • EXTI and timer-driven interrupts
   • SPI loopback test & diagnostics
   • UART logging with ring buffer & command parser
   • ADC sampling and PWM control

3. Debugging Artifacts
   GDB scripts, bug-report write-ups, and logic-analyzer captures illustrating diagnosis and fixes.

4. Toolchain Automation
   Git commits/tags for every milestone, Makefiles, build-and-flash scripts, and log-parser utilities.

5. RTOS Prototype
   FreeRTOS tasks, queues, semaphores, and analysis of scheduling overhead and stack usage.

6. Integrated Firmware
   A cohesive image supporting Monitor, SPI Test, and Idle modes, with safe state-machine transitions.

7. Documentation & Diagrams
   Cheat-sheets, state-machine diagrams, module READMEs, and a final reflection summarizing outcomes.

8. Application Log
   A chronicle of internship submissions made during the sprint, complete with dates and roles.

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How to get started

1. Clone the Repo

   git clone https://github.com/your-username/embedded-sprint.git
   cd embedded-sprint

2. Explore Daily Guides
   Open each dayXX/overview.md for goals, code skeletons, and validation steps.

3. Build & Flash

   make all
   ./build_and_flash.sh --board NUCLEO-F446RE

4. Run Tests & Logs
   Employ provided test harnesses and log-parsing scripts to verify functionality.

5. Commit & Tag

   git add .
   git commit -m "day3: GPIO blink & debounce skeleton"
   git tag day3_blink_button

6. Reflect & Apply
   Review final documentation, polish the resume entry for “Embedded Internship Final Sprint,” and submit applications.

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Outcomes & Next Steps

By completion, this bootcamp will have produced:

• A portfolio of hands-on embedded projects demonstrating critical skills
• A disciplined Git history reflecting incremental, test-driven development
• Practical experience with debugging, automation, and RTOS concepts
• A refined resume entry and application log ready for internship submissions

Embark on this sprint to transform theoretical knowledge into deployable firmware—and land that embedded systems internship.