Embedded Development System

You must purchase an embedded development system for this course

Some of the projects in this course involve Embedded System development and Internet of Things communication. The former is something that (in addition to being fun) many of you are likely to do, and the latter works with key key issues from our discussions of Distributed System Security.

To do these projects you will need to purchase a BeagleBone-based WiFi IOT prototyping kit. The BeagleBone is a low power, ARM-based, System on a Chip that has been developed for the embedded system market. It is much faster and more powerful than the venerable and popular Arduino board, while offering even more digital and analog I/O ports. This makes it a compelling combination, for both course and personal projects. The BeagleBone Green WiFi IOT prototyping kit comes with a built-in WiFi adaptor, an assortment of sensors, and a daughter-board for connecting them to the BeagleBone.

Because this course is based on Open Source texts, we will not be requiring you to purchase any Operating Systems texts. It seems ironic that we are asking you to purchase a development system that costs just about as much as a text. But I suggest that you will get more fun and future use from this system would from an OS text ... and if you don't it will probably have a better resale value on Ebay.

What you need

• Seed Studio BeagleBone Green Wireless IOT Developer Prototyping Kit for Google Cloud Platform. It is, among other places, available from: Seed Studio, Digikey, and Mouser.
• A micro-USB cable, for charging and connecting the embedded system to your computer. Most of you probably already have multiple such cables.
• If your have a new MACBOOK (with USB-C) you may need an USB-C to USB adaptor cable.

Because of the possibility of problems with finding, ordering, receiving and bringing-up this development system, you are strongly encouraged to order it immediately, and do the basic bring-up as soon as it arrives.

Additional Information

You may find the following tutorials helpful:

• Introduction to the Beaglebone. This tutorial will provide information on configuring your BeagleBone's hardware and software. Follow its instructions on how to assemble it, power it up and connect it (via USB) to your personal notebook or desktop, and establish a USB terminal login session from your notebook/desktop to your Beaglebone.
• Linux on the Beaglebone. This provides some basic information on using Linux on the Beaglebone.
• Beaglebone Tutorial: GPIO, Interrupt, Analog and PWM. This tutorial will provide information on how to use the Grove Base Cape and sensors with your Beaglebone.