Sensors, Circuits, and Prototyping

This unit develops hands‑on hardware and software skills needed to build reliable Arduino prototypes: soldering and safety, reading circuit diagrams, working with sensors and actuators, and visualizing sensor data. Students will integrate libraries and open‑source resources to condition signals, debounce inputs, and prepare projects for further system integration in later units.

Learning Objectives

• Apply safe soldering and prototyping techniques to assemble functional circuits, producing reliable solder joints and following established lab safety protocols.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret circuit diagrams and translate them into correct breadboard or PCB assemblies connecting LEDs, buttons, DC motors, and common sensors.
• Analyze analog and digital signals from piezo, pressure, force, and button sensors, implement debouncing and basic signal conditioning in Arduino code, and visualize measurements using a Processing graph.
• Evaluate and select appropriate libraries, components, and open-source resources (e.g., vendor modules, community sketches) for a defined embedded task, documenting rationale and licensing/source information.