Competences developed in the course

Transversal Competences

CT1: Organise and plan work efficiently and in a motivating manner.

CT3: Solve problems and make decisions that respond to the objectives of the work undertaken.

CT4: Use information and communication technologies efficiently.

CT14: Master research methodology in the development of projects, ideas and viable solutions.

General Competences

CG5: Understand the technological resources specific to one’s field of activity and their applications in music, preparing to assimilate new developments.

CG7: Demonstrate the ability to interact musically in different types of participatory musical projects.

CG24: Develop capacities for self‑directed learning throughout one’s professional life.

CG25: Understand and use study and research methodologies that enable continuous development and innovation in musical activity.

Specific Competences

SO7: Understand techniques and procedures for supporting musical, sonic and audiovisual creative processes.

SO9: Use tools and devices to support or complement processes of capturing, recording, creating, manipulating and disseminating sonic and musical material.

SO10: Integrate art, technology and science with sufficient flexibility to adapt to multiple and changing environments.

Learning outcomes (general objectives)

1. Understand the fundamental differences between analogue electronics, studied in Electronics I, and digital electronics, which is the focus of this course.
2. Understand the architecture, capabilities and applications of microcontrollers, specifically within technologies applied to sound and music.
3. Learn to programme and monitor the execution of embedded software in microcontrollers.
4. Learn to manage digital GPIOs of a microcontroller using LEDs and switches.
5. Learn to manage analogue inputs (DACs) and pseudo‑analogue outputs (PWM) of a microcontroller using potentiometers and LEDs.
6. Learn to control power circuits driven from a microcontroller, including motors and relays.
7. Learn to condition, measure and use analogue sensors.
8. Build basic musical instruments with a microcontroller incorporating sensors and simple signal generators.
9. Replicate common controls and visual indicators found in physical audio interfaces, such as encoders and VU meters.
10. Use specialised integrated circuits for audio analysis and build visualisers controlled by a microcontroller.
11. Manage displays from a microcontroller using high‑level libraries.
12. Use standard protocols (Serial, SPI, I2C) and specific libraries to communicate a microcontroller with integrated circuits that extend its functionalities.

Contents

The learning outcomes correspond to, and are therefore addressed through, one or more practical sessions focused on deepening specific contents of the course: digital inputs and outputs; analogue inputs and outputs; DC motors; theremin with distance sensor; electronic drum with piezo triggers and an MP3 player; encoders and VU meters; introduction to combinational logic circuits; music‑reactive LEDs; audio generation and management of an external DAC; control of an addressable LED strip; control of multiple LEDs with shift registers and/or LED drivers.

Teaching methodology

Teaching–learning methodology consists of practical workshop‑style sessions in which students carry out projects individually or in small groups, working semi‑autonomously under the supervision of the instructor.

Assessment systems

Continuous assessment based on diagnostic evaluation and formalised through summative assessment leading to the final grade. Continuous assessment is carried out through different evaluation records derived from specific activities such as class participation and work, presentation of assignments, completion of tasks and/or readings outside class, submission of written work, or written and oral examinations.