Microprocessor &

Microcontroller
from scratch to
expert Learning Series from scratch
Aschref Ben Thabet 7/23/25
to expert
 Microprocessor & Microcontroller: Full Roadmap
Goal: Master fundamentals, architecture, programming, interfacing, and advanced design of microprocessors
and microcontrollers.

For: beginners, electronics engineers, embedded developers

Duration: ~4–5 months (10–12 hours/week)

Phase Overview

Phase Weeks Focus Area

1 Week 1–3 Fundamentals & Architecture
2 Week 4–6 Assembly Programming & Instruction Set
3 Week 7–9 Microcontroller Programming Basics
4 Week 10–12 Peripherals & Interfacing
5 Week 13–15 Embedded Systems Programming & RTOS
6 Week 16–18 Advanced Concepts & Optimization
7 Week 19–20 Projects & Real-world Applications

Phase 1: Fundamentals & Architecture (Week 1–3)

Topics:

• Difference between Microprocessor & Microcontroller

• Microprocessor architecture (registers, ALU, buses, control unit)
• Microcontroller architecture overview
• Harvard vs Von Neumann architecture
• Clocking, interrupts, and memory types (ROM, RAM, EEPROM)

Resources:

• Book: Microprocessor Architecture, Programming, and Applications by Ramesh Gaonkar

• Online course: NPTEL or Coursera basics of microprocessors

Mini Project:

• Diagram & explain the architecture of a classic 8085 or 8086 microprocessor

Phase 2: Assembly Programming & Instruction Set (Week 4–6)

Topics:

• Assembly language basics (syntax, mnemonics, registers)

• Data movement, arithmetic, logical instructions
• Branching, looping, subroutines

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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 • Addressing modes
• Writing simple assembly programs

Tools:

• Assembler simulators (e.g., Edupic, Keil uVision for 8051)

Mini Project:

• Write an assembly program to blink an LED or simple calculator operations on simulator

Phase 3: Microcontroller Programming Basics (Week 7–9)

Topics:

• Introduction to popular MCUs: ARM Cortex-M, AVR, PIC, 8051

• C programming for embedded systems
• Memory mapping and registers
• I/O ports programming
• Basic timers and interrupts

Tools:

• IDEs: Keil, MPLAB X, Atmel Studio, STM32CubeIDE

• Development boards: Arduino, STM32 Nucleo, Raspberry Pi Pico

Mini Project:

• Write embedded C code to toggle pins, handle interrupts on an Arduino or STM32 board

Phase 4: Peripherals & Interfacing (Week 10–12)

Topics:

• Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) & Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC)

• Serial communication: UART, SPI, I2C
• PWM generation
• LCD and sensor interfacing
• External memory interfacing

Tools:

• Use real hardware or simulators like Proteus for interfacing practice

Mini Project:

• Interface a temperature sensor and display reading on LCD

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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 • Implement UART communication between two MCUs

Phase 5: Embedded Systems Programming & RTOS (Week 13–15)

Topics:

• Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) basics: tasks, scheduling, mutexes

• FreeRTOS introduction and programming
• Interrupt-driven design & debouncing
• Power management techniques
• Debugging embedded systems

Tools:

• FreeRTOS, STM32CubeIDE with RTOS support

Mini Project:

• Develop a multitasking application using FreeRTOS (e.g., sensor reading + display + communication)

Phase 6: Advanced Concepts & Optimization (Week 16–18)

Topics:

• Low power design techniques

• DMA (Direct Memory Access)
• Bootloaders & firmware updates
• Embedded security basics
• Performance optimization and profiling

Mini Project:

• Implement a firmware update via UART or USB bootloader

• Optimize code for speed or power consumption

Phase 7: Projects & Real-World Applications (Week 19–20)

Ideas:

• Home automation controller

• Data logger with sensor network
• Motor control system
• Communication gateway (UART to Bluetooth/Wi-Fi)

Deliverable:

• Complete project with schematic, code, and documentation

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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 Recommended Books & Resources
• The 8051 Microcontroller and Embedded Systems – Mazidi
• Embedded Systems: Introduction to ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers – Jonathan Valvano
• ARM Assembly Language: Fundamentals and Techniques – William Hohl
• Online courses: Coursera, Udemy embedded systems tracks
• Official MCU datasheets and reference manuals

Microprocessor & Microcontroller Mastery Roadmap:

Beginner to Expert (5 Months)
Overview
This 5-month (20-week) roadmap guides you from beginner to expert in microprocessor and microcontroller
design, programming, and interfacing, covering architectures like ARMv7-A/ARMv8-A, RISC-V, Xilinx
Zynq/MicroBlaze, Altera/Intel Nios II, NXP, STM32, and more.

You’ll build production-ready embedded systems, culminating in portfolio-worthy capstone projects.

Adjustments include standardized pacing, modern tools (Vivado, Quartus, QEMU, GitHub Actions), and a focus on
SMP, FPGA-SoC integration, and embedded Linux.

Phase Duration Focus Area Outcome

Understand microprocessor/microcontroller
1 3 weeks Fundamentals & Architecture
architectures and basics
Assembly Programming & Master assembly programming for 8051, ARM, and
2 3 weeks
Instruction Set RISC-V
Microcontroller Programming
3 3 weeks Program MCUs (STM32, SAM, Nios II) in C
Basics
Interface sensors, displays, and communication
4 3 weeks Peripherals & Interfacing
protocols
Embedded Systems Develop multitasking applications with FreeRTOS and
5 3 weeks
Programming & RTOS embedded Linux
Advanced Concepts &
6 3 weeks Optimize for SMP, DMA, and FPGA-SoC integration
Optimization
Capstone Projects & Real-World
7 2 weeks Build and deploy advanced embedded systems
Applications

⏱ Total Structured Time: ~5 Months (20 Weeks, ~240 hours)

Weekly Study Time: 2.5 hours/day Mon-Fri (12.5 hours/week), 1–2 hours/day Sat-Sun (2–4 hours/week), ~12
hours/week
Tools: Keil uVision, MPLAB X, Atmel Studio, STM32CubeIDE, Vivado, Quartus, QEMU, IAR Embedded
Workbench, GNU Toolchain, Arduino, Proteus, FreeRTOS, Zephyr, GitHub Actions, Sphinx, Doxygen
Hardware: STM32 Nucleo, Raspberry Pi, Zynq ZedBoard, Altera DE10-Nano, Microchip SAM E70, TI TMS570,

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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Pixhawk, F1TENTH platform
Certifications: None explicitly required, but projects align with IEEE embedded systems standards

Phase 1: Fundamentals & Architecture (3 Weeks)

Week 1–2: Microprocessor & Microcontroller Basics

Focus: Understand core architectures and concepts.

Adjustment: Add RISC-V and ARMv8-A architecture overview.

Week Day Topic Key Concepts Activities Tools

Microprocessor vs Key differences, Compare 8051 vs
1 1–3 Datasheets
Microcontroller applications STM32
Microprocessor ALU, registers, buses, Diagram 8085
1 4–5 Visio/Lucidchart
architecture control unit architecture
Explain ARMv7-A
1 6–7 Mini-lab Architecture analysis QEMU, GitHub
pipeline
Harvard vs Von
Microcontroller Study STM32 and RISC- STM32CubeIDE,
2 1–3 Neumann, memory
architecture V architectures QEMU
types
Clocking and Clock domains, interrupt Simulate interrupt on
2 4–5 Keil uVision
interrupts vectors 8051
Map memory for SAM
2 6–7 Mini-lab Memory mapping MPLAB X, GitHub
E70

Additional Activities:

• Study PowerPC and SPARC/LEON architectures.

• Debug interrupt handling in QEMU.
• Commit architecture diagrams to GitHub.

Week 3: Advanced Architectures

Focus: Explore modern architectures with SMP.

Adjustment: Add SMP concepts for ARMv8-A and RISC-V.

Week Day Topic Key Concepts Activities Tools

ARMv7-A and
3 1–3 Cortex-A, SMP, AArch64 Study ARMv8-A SMP features QEMU, ARM DS-5
ARMv8-A
RV32I, RV64I, multi-core QEMU, GNU
3 4–5 RISC-V and SMP Simulate RISC-V in QEMU
designs Toolchain
Diagram Zynq multi-core
3 6–7 Mini-lab SMP architecture Vivado, GitHub
architecture

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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Additional Activities:

• Study GR740 SMP features.

• Simulate PowerPC multi-core in QEMU.
• Create Git repository for architecture code.

Checkpoint: Diagram and simulate an ARMv8-A SMP architecture in QEMU, commit to GitHub with Sphinx
documentation.

Phase 2: Assembly Programming & Instruction Set (3 Weeks)

Week 4–5: Assembly Basics

Focus: Master assembly programming for multiple architectures.

Adjustment: Add RISC-V and Nios II assembly.

Week Day Topic Key Concepts Activities Tools

Assembly language Syntax, mnemonics,
4 1–3 Write 8051 LED blinker Keil uVision
basics registers
Data movement Implement data transfer
4 4–5 MOV, LOAD, STORE ARM DS-5
instructions for ARMv7-A
Simulate LED blinker on
4 6–7 Mini-lab LED blinker Edupic, GitHub
8051
Arithmetic and logical Write RISC-V arithmetic QEMU, GNU
5 1–3 ADD, SUB, AND, OR
instructions program Toolchain
JMP, CALL, conditional Quartus, Nios II
5 4–5 Branching and looping Implement loop for Nios II
branches IDE
Build calculator on
5 6–7 Mini-lab Simple calculator QEMU, GitHub
ARMv8-A

Additional Activities:

• Debug RISC-V branch instructions.

• Simulate PowerPC assembly in QEMU.
• Test Nios II loop in Quartus.

Week 6: Advanced Assembly

Focus: Explore addressing modes and subroutines.

Adjustment: Add Gaisler GR712RC assembly.

Week Day Topic Key Concepts Activities Tools

Addressing Immediate, direct, Implement indexed addressing for
6 1–3 Keil uVision
modes indexed 8051
CALL, RET, stack GNU
6 4–5 Subroutines Write subroutine for GR712RC
operations Toolchain

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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 Subroutine-based LED QEMU,
6 6–7 Mini-lab Test GR712RC LED control
control GitHub

Additional Activities:

• Debug stack overflow in RISC-V.

• Simulate SPARC/LEON subroutine.
• Commit assembly code to GitHub.

Checkpoint: Write and simulate a RISC-V calculator with subroutines in QEMU, commit to GitHub with Sphinx
documentation.

Phase 3: Microcontroller Programming Basics (3 Weeks)

Week 7–8: C Programming for MCUs

Focus: Program popular MCUs in C.

Adjustment: Add STM32, SAM E70, and Nios II programming.

Week Day Topic Key Concepts Activities Tools

STM32, SAM E70, Nios II,
7 1–3 MCU overview Study STM32F4 peripherals STM32CubeIDE
AVR
C programming GPIO, registers, bit Toggle pins on STM32
7 4–5 STM32CubeIDE
basics manipulation Nucleo
Implement LED toggle on MPLAB X,
7 6–7 Mini-lab LED toggle
SAM E70 GitHub
Register access, memory Quartus, Nios II
8 1–3 Memory mapping Map registers for Nios II
layout IDE
Timers and Setup timer interrupt on
8 4–5 Timer configuration, ISR STM32CubeIDE
interrupts STM32
Test interrupt on Raspberry
8 6–7 Mini-lab Interrupt-driven LED Arduino, GitHub
Pi Pico

Additional Activities:

• Debug STM32 GPIO errors.

• Simulate Nios II timers in Quartus.
• Test SAM E70 interrupts.

Week 9: Advanced MCU Programming

Focus: Explore advanced MCU features.

Adjustment: Add TI TMS570 programming.

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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 Week Day Topic Key Concepts Activities Tools
Pull-up/pull-down, Configure GPIO for TI IAR Embedded
9 1–3 Advanced GPIO
open-drain TMS570 Workbench
Interrupt Nested interrupts, Setup nested interrupts
9 4–5 STM32CubeIDE
prioritization NVIC on STM32
Test interrupts on Zynq
9 6–7 Mini-lab Multi-interrupt system Vivado, GitHub
ZedBoard

Additional Activities:

• Debug NVIC priority conflicts.

• Simulate TMS570 GPIO in IAR.
• Commit interrupt code to GitHub.

Checkpoint: Implement an interrupt-driven LED toggle on STM32, commit to GitHub with Sphinx documentation.

Phase 4: Peripherals & Interfacing (3 Weeks)

Week 10–11: Peripheral Basics

Focus: Interface peripherals with MCUs.

Adjustment: Add I2C for SAM E70 and SPI for Nios II.

Week Day Topic Key Concepts Activities Tools

10 1–3 ADC and DAC Analog signal conversion Read ADC on STM32 STM32CubeIDE
UART Implement UART on
10 4–5 Serial data transfer Arduino
communication Raspberry Pi Pico
Temperature sensor Interface LM35 with SAM MPLAB X,
10 6–7 Mini-lab
interface E70 GitHub
Master/slave, clocked
11 1–3 SPI and I2C Setup I2C for SAM E70 MPLAB X
communication
Quartus, Nios II
11 4–5 PWM generation Pulse-width modulation Generate PWM on Nios II
IDE
Display sensor data on
11 6–7 Mini-lab LCD interface Proteus, GitHub
LCD

Additional Activities:

• Debug I2C communication errors.

• Simulate SPI on Nios II.
• Test PWM on STM32 Nucleo.

Week 12: Advanced Interfacing

Focus: Interface external memory and sensors.

Adjustment: Add Zynq AXI peripheral interfacing.

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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 Week Day Topic Key Concepts Activities Tools
External Interface Flash with TI IAR Embedded
12 1–3 SRAM, Flash interfacing
memory TMS570 Workbench
AXI Zynq PS-PL
12 4–5 Build AXI GPIO on Zynq Vivado
peripherals communication
Interface sensors with
12 6–7 Mini-lab Sensor hub Vivado, GitHub
Zynq

Additional Activities:

• Debug AXI handshake issues.

• Simulate Flash memory access.
• Test sensor hub on DE10-Nano.

Checkpoint: Interface a temperature sensor and LCD with SAM E70, commit to GitHub with Sphinx
documentation.

Phase 5: Embedded Systems Programming & RTOS (3 Weeks)

Week 13–14: RTOS and Multitasking

Focus: Develop multitasking applications with RTOS.

Adjustment: Add Zephyr RTOS for RISC-V and NXP i.MX7.

Week Day Topic Key Concepts Activities Tools

Tasks, scheduling, Setup FreeRTOS on
13 1–3 RTOS basics STM32CubeIDE
mutexes STM32
FreeRTOS Task creation, Create multitasking app
13 4–5 FreeRTOS
programming semaphores on STM32
Test FreeRTOS app on STM32CubeIDE,
13 6–7 Mini-lab Multitasking sensor app
Nucleo GitHub
Lightweight RTOS for
14 1–3 Zephyr RTOS Setup Zephyr on RISC-V Zephyr SDK
embedded
Embedded Linux Linux on Raspberry Pi, Boot Linux on Raspberry
14 4–5 Raspberry Pi
basics NXP i.MX7 Pi
Zephyr-based sensor Test Zephyr app on SAM
14 6–7 Mini-lab MPLAB X, GitHub
app E70

Additional Activities:

• Debug FreeRTOS task switching.

• Simulate Zephyr on QEMU.
• Test Linux drivers on i.MX7.

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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Week 15: Debugging and Power Management

Focus: Optimize and debug embedded systems.

Adjustment: Add power profiling for STM32.

Week Day Topic Key Concepts Activities Tools

Interrupt-driven Debouncing, ISR Optimize interrupts on
15 1–3 Quartus
design optimization Nios II
Power Low-power modes, sleep Profile STM32 low-power
15 4–5 STM32CubeIDE
management states modes
Test low-power app on STM32CubeIDE,
15 6–7 Mini-lab Low-power sensor app
STM32 GitHub

Additional Activities:

• Debug debouncing issues.

• Simulate power modes on TI TMS570.
• Commit power-optimized code to GitHub.

Checkpoint: Implement a FreeRTOS-based multitasking sensor app on STM32, commit to GitHub with Sphinx
documentation.

Phase 6: Advanced Concepts & Optimization (3 Weeks)

Week 16–17: SMP and DMA

Focus: Master SMP and DMA for advanced systems.

Adjustment: Add SMP programming for ARMv8-A and GR740.

Week Day Topic Key Concepts Activities Tools

SMP Multi-core scheduling, inter-core Implement SMP on
16 1–3 QEMU, ARM DS-5
programming communication ARMv8-A
Direct memory access, burst Setup DMA on
16 4–5 DMA basics STM32CubeIDE
transfers STM32
GNU Toolchain,
16 6–7 Mini-lab SMP-based task distribution Test SMP on GR740
GitHub
FPGA-SoC Build AXI peripheral
17 1–3 Zynq PS-PL, Nios II in Cyclone Vivado
integration on Zynq
Implement DMA on
17 4–5 Advanced DMA Scatter-gather, multi-channel DMA Quartus
Nios II
Test Zynq sensor
17 6–7 Mini-lab FPGA-SoC sensor hub Vivado, GitHub
hub

Additional Activities:

• Debug SMP task synchronization.

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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 • Simulate DMA on PowerPC.
• Test Zynq AXI on DE10-Nano.

Week 18: Bootloaders and Security

Focus: Implement bootloaders and security.

Adjustment: Add secure boot for RISC-V.

Week Day Topic Key Concepts Activities Tools

Firmware updates, UART/USB Implement UART bootloader
18 1–3 Bootloaders STM32CubeIDE
bootloaders on STM32
Embedded Setup secure boot on RISC-
18 4–5 Secure boot, encryption QEMU, Zephyr
security V
MPLAB X,
18 6–7 Mini-lab Secure firmware update Test bootloader on SAM E70
GitHub

Additional Activities:

• Debug bootloader errors.

• Simulate secure boot on GR740.
• Commit security code to GitHub.

Checkpoint: Implement a UART bootloader and secure boot on RISC-V, commit to GitHub with Sphinx
documentation.

Phase 7: Capstone Projects & Real-World Applications (2 Weeks)

Week 19–20: Capstone Projects & Community

Focus: Build and deploy advanced embedded systems, engage with community.
Adjustment: Add open-source contributions and mock interviews.

Week Day Topic Key Concepts Activities Tools

Plan Zynq-based IoT
19 1–3 Project planning Select 3–5 capstone projects Notion
gateway
Capstone Implement RISC-V
19 4–5 Build and test projects QEMU, Zephyr
implementation motor controller
Test Zynq gateway with
19 6–7 Mini-lab IoT gateway Vivado, GitHub
AXI
Open-source Contribute to Zephyr,
20 1–3 Submit patch to Zephyr GitHub
contribution FreeRTOS
Simulate embedded Practice MCU coding
20 4–5 Mock interviews NeetCode
engineering interviews questions
Showcase projects on GitHub, Sphinx,
20 6–7 Portfolio building Build GitHub portfolio
GitHub Doxygen

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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Capstone Project Ideas:

• Zynq-based IoT Gateway: AXI peripheral with UART and Wi-Fi (Zynq ZedBoard, Vivado).
• RISC-V Motor Controller: PWM-based motor control with FreeRTOS (QEMU, Zephyr).
• Nios II Sensor Hub: Multi-sensor interface with I2C/SPI (DE10-Nano, Quartus).
• SMP Data Logger: Multi-core data logging with ARMv8-A (QEMU, ARM DS-5).
• STM32 Home Automation: Smart home controller with FreeRTOS (STM32 Nucleo).
• TI TMS570 Safety System: ISO 26262-compliant control system (IAR Embedded Workbench).
• GR740 Telemetry System: SMP-based telemetry for aerospace (GNU Toolchain).

Additional Notes:

• Portfolio Building: Select 3–5 projects (e.g., IoT gateway, motor controller, sensor hub) for a GitHub
portfolio. Include code, schematics, test results, and demo videos.
• Community Engagement: Share projects on GitHub, RISC-V Foundation, or X. Contribute to open-source
projects (e.g., Zephyr, FreeRTOS). Participate in embedded hackathons or IEEE events.
• Hardware Testing: Deploy projects on STM32 Nucleo, Zynq ZedBoard, DE10-Nano, or Raspberry Pi to
validate performance.

Tools & Hardware Overview

Area Tools/Hardware
Development Keil uVision, MPLAB X, STM32CubeIDE, Vivado, Quartus, IAR Embedded Workbench, Arduino
Simulation QEMU, Proteus, ModelSim, QuestaSim
RTOS FreeRTOS, Zephyr
Programming C, Assembly, Python
CI/CD GitHub Actions
Documentation Sphinx, Doxygen, Markdown
Version
Git, GitHub
Control
Hardware STM32 Nucleo, Raspberry Pi, Zynq ZedBoard, DE10-Nano, SAM E70, TI TMS570, Pixhawk

Recommended Resources
• Books:
o Microprocessor Architecture, Programming, and Applications – Ramesh Gaonkar
o The 8051 Microcontroller and Embedded Systems – Mazidi
o Embedded Systems: Introduction to ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers – Jonathan Valvano
o ARM Assembly Language: Fundamentals and Techniques – William Hohl
o RISC-V Architecture Guide – RISC-V International
• Online:
o NPTEL Microprocessors Course
o Coursera Embedded Systems
o Udemy STM32 Programming
o RISC-V Learn

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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 o Zephyr Project
• Courses:
o Coursera: Introduction to Embedded Systems Software and Development Environments
o Udemy: Mastering Microcontroller with Embedded Driver Development
o edX: Embedded Systems – Shape The World (UT Austin)
• Communities:
o RISC-V Foundation: riscv.org
o ARM Community: community.arm.com
o Reddit: r/embedded, r/RISCV
o X: Follow ARM, RISC-V, STM32, Zynq

Summary Timeline
Phase Duration Focus Area Outcome
Understand microprocessor/microcontroller
1 3 weeks Fundamentals & Architecture
architectures and basics
Assembly Programming & Master assembly programming for 8051, ARM, and
2 3 weeks
Instruction Set RISC-V
Microcontroller Programming
3 3 weeks Program MCUs (STM32, SAM, Nios II) in C
Basics
Interface sensors, displays, and communication
4 3 weeks Peripherals & Interfacing
protocols
Embedded Systems Develop multitasking applications with FreeRTOS and
5 3 weeks
Programming & RTOS embedded Linux
Advanced Concepts &
6 3 weeks Optimize for SMP, DMA, and FPGA-SoC integration
Optimization
Capstone Projects & Real-World
7 2 weeks Build and deploy advanced embedded systems
Applications

Plan to Achieve Expert Level

1. Follow the Timeline: Commit to 2.5 hours/day Mon-Fri and 1–2 hours/day Sat-Sun, focusing on capstone
projects in Weeks 19–20. Use weekends for hardware testing and documentation.
2. Hands-On Practice: Complete at least one mini-lab per week (e.g., UART driver, AXI peripheral, FreeRTOS
app) and 2–3 capstone projects (e.g., IoT gateway, motor controller, sensor hub). Test on STM32 Nucleo,
Zynq ZedBoard, or DE10-Nano.
3. Tool Proficiency: Gain fluency in Keil, STM32CubeIDE, Vivado, Quartus, QEMU, FreeRTOS, Zephyr, and
GitHub Actions. Use Git for version control and Sphinx/Doxygen for documentation.
4. Portfolio Development: Build a portfolio with 3–5 projects (e.g., IoT gateway, motor controller, sensor
hub). Document each with code, schematics, test results, and demo videos, shared on GitHub.
5. Community Engagement: Share projects on GitHub, RISC-V Foundation, or X. Contribute to open-source
projects (e.g., Zephyr, FreeRTOS). Participate in embedded hackathons or IEEE events.
6. Certification Prep: While no formal MCU certifications exist, align projects with IEEE embedded systems
standards. Prepare for embedded job interviews with mock coding challenges.

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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Additional Tips
• Track Progress: Maintain a project log (Notion, Markdown) and review key concepts (e.g., SMP, DMA, AXI)
after each phase. Create a checklist of mastered skills.
• Lab-First Approach: Use QEMU for simulation, Vivado/Quartus for FPGA-SoC, and FreeRTOS/Zephyr for
RTOS to validate designs.
• Optimization Focus: Emphasize SMP, low-power design, and FPGA integration for industry-relevant
systems.
• Stay Updated: Follow X posts, RISC-V Foundation, and ARM Community for the latest trends (e.g., ARMv8-
A, RISC-V 2.0, Zynq UltraScale+).

This refined Microprocessor & Microcontroller Mastery roadmap, with standardized pacing, modern tools (Vivado,
Quartus, QEMU, Zephyr), and expanded architecture coverage, provides a clear and practical path to achieving
expert-level proficiency in embedded systems.

Author: Aschref Ben Thabet: aschrefbenthabet@gmail.com

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