Maker-to-Engineer Learning Lab
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Maker-to-Engineer Learning Lab

👋 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.

🧠 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

🎚️ Setup and Requirements

Before starting the labs, make sure you have the following components from the complete kit:
  • Arduino Uno
  • Red Pitaya STEMlab 125-14
  • Breadboard (BB830) and jumper wires
  • Resistors, capacitors, tactile switch
  • BPW34 photodiode
  • HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor
  • Grove NFC module v1.1
👉 Click here to add all components to your DigiKey cart.
Before diving into the hands-on labs, make sure your Red Pitaya is set up and ready to use. Follow our for step-by-step instructions on connecting and accessing the Red Pitaya web interface.
 
 

🧪 Lab Exercises Overview

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Learn how to use your RedPitaya through SCPI commands here:
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SCPI Red Pitaya Arduino Library
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Button Debouncing
Button Debouncing Upgrade with SCPI Communication
Debounce a mechanical switch and visualize clean digital transitions.
 
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Understanding PWM and Signal Characterization
Upgrade with SCPI Communication: PWM & One-Shot Signal Characterisation
Generate PWM signals and analyze frequency and duty cycle.
 
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Ultrasonic Distance Measurement
Use an HC-SR04 to measure distance and analyze echo timing.
 
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Photodetectors
Upgraded with SCPI— Bandwidth & Rise/Fall Time
Detect ambient light levels and analyze flicker from artificial sources.
 
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RFID SPI Communication
Read RFID tags and inspect I²C signals and RF waveforms.

🎓 Final Projects

Now that you have completed all of the basic courses you are ready to implement that knowledge in some more advanced projects:
 
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Project: Distance-Based LED Brightness Control
Control LED using Ultrasonic distance sensor. Then add-on by making an Air-Piano 🎹 🎶
 
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Project: Smart Access and Environment Monitoring System
A smart system that adjusts lighting, identifies users via RFID, and switches modes with a button.
 

🔄 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!