Maker-to-Engineer Learning Lab (Arduino x Red Pitaya)

Type

From Maker Projects to Engineering Mastery

Welcome to the Red Pitaya Maker-to-Engineer Learning Lab—a structured, hands-on mini-course that transforms curiosity into engineering skill. This lab isn’t just about building projects — it’s about building understanding. By blending Arduino’s user-friendly interface with Red Pitaya’s professional measurement capabilities, you'll advance from basic projects to sophisticated signal analysis and real-world system prototyping.

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Kit & Components

This mini-course is designed to be used with the Maker-to-Engineer Learning Lab bundle. All required components are available from DigiKey.

🌟 What You’ll Learn

This lab bridges the gap between basic electronics and advanced embedded systems through guided exercises and projects that combine the Arduino Uno and the Red Pitaya STEMlab 125-14.

Digital Signal Debouncing: Stabilize button input and visualize it in real time
PWM Dimming: Control LED brightness and analyze duty cycles and frequency
Ultrasonic Sensing: Measure distances and analyze echo signals
Light Detection: Measure light intensity and detect flicker
RFID Communication: Read RFID tags and inspect I²C and RF waveforms

🚀 Start Learning

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Before starting the labs, make sure you have the following components from the complete kit (click the arrow on the left, to expand the parts list):

Your First Steps with Red Pitaya and Arduino

Before diving into the hands-on labs, make sure your Red Pitaya is set up and ready to use. Follow our ❓Red Pitaya Quick Start for step-by-step instructions on connecting and accessing the Red Pitaya web interface.

🧪 Lab Exercises Overview

📕Exercise 1: Button Debouncing

Debounce a mechanical switch and visualize clean digital transitions.

📕Exercise 2: Understanding PWM and Signal Characterization

Generate PWM signals and analyze frequency and duty cycle.

📕Exercise 3: Ultrasonic Distance Measurement

Use an HC-SR04 to measure distance and analyze echo timing.

📕Exercise 4: Photodetectors

Detect ambient light levels and analyze flicker from artificial sources.

📕Exercise 5: RFID Communication

Read RFID tags and inspect I²C signals and RF waveforms.

Final Projects

🛠️Project 1: Distance-Based LED Brightness Control 🛠️Project 2: Smart Access and Environment Monitoring System

🔄 What’s Next?

Now that you’ve completed the Maker-to-Engineer Learning Lab, you’re ready to take the next step in your engineering journey.

📚 Continue Learning

Dive deeper into foundational principles with our Circuits & Electronics course — perfect for expanding your understanding of analog systems, filters, and more.

🛠️ Build Your Own Projects

Use what you’ve learned to prototype your own projects. Whether you’re designing a sensor dashboard, building an IoT device, or experimenting with RF signals, Red Pitaya gives you the tools to explore real-world engineering challenges.

💡 Don’t forget to document and share your projects—you never know who you’ll inspire!