CH2 G12G WB

Chapter 2
Microcontrollers II
Section 1 : Algorithm description techniques
Aim
This section will introduce you to computational thinking and problem-solving principles. Writing
algorithms is one of the important steps of computational thinking. In grade 11, you learned
how to use flowcharts to represent an algorithm. This section introduces another algorithm
description technique called pseudocode. You will learn how to construct pseudocode to
represent an algorithm and plan the solutions to your problem to avoid any mistakes when
writing code.
Learning outcomes
• Recap on the different types of algorithm descriptions.

• Formulate pseudocodes to correctly apply basic programming concepts.
Prior knowledge
• Arduino code structure
• Using flowcharts
My STREAM focus
Section 1
Chapter 2
25
Copyright © Ministry of Education – United Arab Emirates
Key vocabulary
WORD MEANING PICTURE
process of finding solutions to difficult or

problem - solving complex problems by performing a sequence
of actions
computational
thought process for problem solving
thinking
process you need to follow when solving a

algorithm
problem
visual representation of the sequence of the

flowchart
process
method used to communicate design problems

pseudocode using statements; these statements use words
very similar to everyday English
Section 1
Chapter 2
26
Activity 2.1.1
a. Match the steps of the “Snake and Ladder” game algorithm in Column A with the
symbols of a flowchart in Column B.
Column A Column B
Indicate that the game has

ended
Printing a message that one of

the players has won the game
Indicate the beginning of the

game
Check if the player’s coin has

landed on a snake or bottom
of the ladder or last block of
the game
Indicate the sequence of the

game
Rolling the dice and moving

the player’s coin to the top
of the ladder or the tail of the
snake
b. Draw the flowchart for the “Snake and Ladder” game algorithm given above.
Section 1
Chapter 2
27
Activity 2.1.2
Study the algorithm given below, then answer the following questions.
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Accept the length of the two line segments as L1 and L2
Step 3: If L1 and L2 are equal, then display ‘Line Segments are equal’
Step 4: If L1 and L2 are not equal, then display ‘Line Segments are not equal’
Step 5: Stop
Draw the flowchart for the given Write the Arduino code for the given
algorithm. algorithm.
Section 1
Chapter 2
28
Activity 2.1.3
Construct pseudocode to represent the following algorithm.
Step 1: Create a variable called sum and set it equal to zero
Step 2: Look at each of the elements in the list
Step 3: Add the element to the sum
Step 4: Continue until you reach the end of the list
Step 5: return the sum
Pseudocode
Section 1
Chapter 2
29
Activity 2.1.4
The following flowchart represents an algorithm used to control temperature. First,
construct pseudocode for the algorithm, then write the Arduino code to solve the
problem.
Pesudocode Arduino Code

Section 1
Chapter 2
30
Activity 2.1.5
Write the Arduino code for the following pseudocode.
BEGIN
READ a,b
IF (a>b) THEN
DISPLAY a is greater
ELSE
DISPLAY b is greater
END IF
END
Arduino code
Section 1
Chapter 2
31
Key skills
I don’t I’m an
Learning outcome (Please tick the box to show your understanding I understand.
understand. expert.
of the skills below).
Recap on the different

I can compare between flowcharts
types of algorithm
and pseudocodes.
descriptions.
Formulate pseudocodes I use pseudocodes to describe

to correctly apply basic a process, system, or computer
programming concepts. algorithm.
Teacher’s comment:
Section 1
Chapter 2
32
Section 2 : Control structures
Aim
In grade 11, you were introduced to the sequence and selection (if/if-else) control structures.
This section will introduce you to the third type of control structures, the iteration (loop) control
structures, namely for and while repetition statements. This section explains when to use the
iteration control structures, how they work, and the Arduino syntax to implement them.
Learning outcomes
• Apply basic control structures when writing a computer program.
Prior knowledge
• Arduino code structure
• Algorithm description techniques
My STREAM focus
Key vocabulary

Section 2
repeats the process/set of instructions as long

repitition
a condition remains true
Chapter 2
33
Activity 2.2.1
Draw the flowchart of an algorithm that prints the factorial of an integer number selected
by the user. Then, write the Arduino code to solve the problem using while-loop.
Hint: The factorial of a given integer is the multiplication of all positive integers less than
or equal to the given integer. For example, the factorial of 4 is 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 .
Flowchart Arduino Code

Section 2
Chapter 2
34
Activity 2.2.2
Construct the psuedocode for an algorithm that prints the sum of all odd numbers
between 1 to 50. Then, write the Arduino code to solve the problem using while-loop.
Hint:
• Integer that are divisible by 2, are even numbers.
• Integer that are not divisible by 2, are odd numbers.
Psuedocode Arduino Code
Section 2
Chapter 2
35
Activity 2.2.3
Draw the flowchart of an algorithm that prints the multiplication table of a number. Then,
write the Arduino code to solve the problem using for-loop. The multiplication table
should be printed in the following format.
2X1=2
2X2=4
2X3=6
2X4=8
2 X 5 = 10
2 X 6 = 12
2 X 7 = 14
2 X 8 = 16
2 X 9 = 18
2 X 10 = 20
Flowchart Arduino Code

Section 2
Chapter 2
36
Activity 2.2.4
A leap year occurs once every four years. A year is a leap year if the following conditions
are satisfied:
• year is multiple of 400.
• year is multiple of 4 and not multiple of 100.
Construct the pesudocode for an algorithm that prints all leap years between two given
years selected by the user. Then, write the Arduino code to solve the problem.
Hint: You have to use relational and boolean operators to check whether a year is leap
year or not.
Psuedocode Arduino Code
Section 2
Chapter 2
37
Student reflection
List three things you have learned and two things you have enjoyed.
Three things I have learned:
1-
2-
3-
Two things I have enjoyed:

1-
2-
Key skills
I don’t I’m an
understand. expert.
I can apply while-loop repetition

statements in programming.
Apply basic control
structures when writing a
computer program.
I can apply for-loop repetition in
programming.
Section 2
Chapter 2
38
Section 3: Analogue signals
Aim
In grade 11, you learned how to read and generate digital signals. In this section, you will learn
the difference between analogue and digital signals. You will learn how to read the analogue
signals on Arduino using analogue input statements. You will also learn how to use pulse width
modulation (PWM) to generate analogue signals for simple electrical devices.
Learning outcomes
• Differentiate between digital and analogue signals.

• Read and generate analogue signals with a microcontroller-based board.
Prior knowledge
• Identify the fundamentals of Arduino programming.
• Use breadboards for building electronic circuits.
• Identify basic electronic components.
• Read and generate digital signals in Arduino.
• Create simple functions in Arduino.
My STREAM focus
Section 3
Chapter 2
39
Key vocabulary
a continuous signal that has infinite numbers to

analogue signal
represent it
PWM
(Pulse Width a technique for generating an analogue signal
Modulation) using digital means
the time needed for one cycle of a signal to be

time period (T)
completed
the number of complete cycles per second;

frequency (f)
measured in the unit of hertz (Hz)
the ratio between the on time divided by the

duty cycle(D)
time period
Section 3
Chapter 2
40
Activity 2.3.1
Write a code to control the brightness of an LED. The brightness of the LED should start
from zero, then gradually increase by 60% after every second until it reaches the maximum
brightness.
Section 3
Chapter 2
41
Activity 2.3.2
Run the given Arduino code, the modify it to gradually dim the brightness of the LED,
from maximum brightness to zero. Each iteration, the brightness should decrease by a
decrement of 10.
Arduino code:
int LED = 9 ;
void setup() {
// put your setup code here to run once:
}
void loop() {
// put your main code here to run repeatedly:
for (int i = 0; i <= 255; i+=5) {
analogWrite(LED, i);
delay(1000);
}
}
In this activity you want the brightness of the LED to gradually decrease.
So, you are not dealing with it as a digital on/off device but as an analogue
Note output device. Therefore, you are using the analogWrite function. For
the analogWrite function, you don’t need to call the pinMode function.
Section 3
Chapter 2
42
Activity 2.3.3
Consider the following code:
int potReading;
int potentiometer = 12;
void setup() {
// put your setup code here, to run once:
Serial.begin(9600);
// put your main code here, to run repeatedly:
potReading = analogread(potentiometer);
Serial.println(“The potentiometer value is:”);
Serial.println(potReading);
delay(1000);
}
void loop() {
}
1. Identify the two technical errors in the code above.
Error Correction
2. The code for reading the potentiometer’s value is written inside the setup function.
What do you expect the result would be after executing that code?
Section 3
Chapter 2
43
Activity 2.3.4
We want to make an LED blink by sending a signal from digital pin 13 on the Arduino board.
Which of the following connections is correct? Circle the correct answer.
(a) (b)
Section 3
(c) (d)
Chapter 2
44
Activity 2.3.5
Which of the connections below meets the design given in the circuit below? Circle the
correct answer.
(a) (b)
Section 3
Chapter 2
(c) (d)
45
Activity 2.3.6
List the pins that can be used with the function ‘analogWrite’ to provide variable voltage
on Arduino Leonardo.
Section 3
Chapter 2
46
Activity 2.3.7
Write a code that controls the brightness of an LED. The LED should display three different
brightness intensities (0, 40%, 100%) with one second for each stage. Build the following
circuit to test and evaluate the system.
Note: We take percentages from the maximum limit for the ‘analogWrite’ function =
255.
0% = 0 * 255 = 0
40% = 0.40 * 255 = 102
100% = 1.00 * 255 = 255
Section 3
Chapter 2
Note: The resistor’s value is 100Ω.

47
Activity 2.3.8
Study the Arduino code given below.
The Arduino code

int LED = 8;
void setup() {
pinMode(LED, OUTPUT);
}
void loop() {
for(int brightness = 0 ; brightness < 255 ; brightness +=5){
analogWrite(LED, brightness);
delay(50);
}
for (int brightness = 255 ; brightness > 0 ; brightness -=5){

analogWrite(LED, brightness);
delay(50);
}
}
Based on the code, what is the expected result of the system?

Section 3
Chapter 2
48
Activity 2.3.9
Write the Arduino code for a system that consists of one potentiometer and four LEDs. As
the potentiometer’s knob position changes, the number of LEDs that are on changes (see
the table below). Use the following breadboard diagram to build and test the system.
Potentiometer’s reading Number of turned ON LEDs

[0-256] one LED
[257-512] two LEDs
[513-770] three LEDs
{771-1023] four LEDs
Note: All Resistors are 100Ω.
Section 3
Chapter 2
49
Extra space
Section 3
Chapter 2
50
Student reflection
1-
2-
3-

1-
2-
Key skills
I don’t I’m an
understand. expert.
Differentiate between I can describe the function of PWM

digital and analogue signals in electric circuits using
signals. Arduino.
Read and generate

analogue signals with a I can use Arduino to read and
microcontroller-based generate analogue signals.
board.
Section 3
Chapter 2
51
Section 4 : Sensors and actuators
Aim
The aim of this section is to explore the different types of sensors and actuators that can be
programmed using Arduino. Sensors are used to detect changes in the surrounding environment,
while actuators are used to add mobility to the system and to perform certain actions. In this
section, you will study IR sensors, ultrasonic sensors and servo and DC motors. The content
explains how these components work, their equivalent circuitry, and how to control them using
Arduino.
Learning outcomes
• Distinguish between the types of motors and actuators.

• Demonstrate the proper use/operation of motors.
• Distinguish between the types of sensors.
Prior knowledge
• Use breadboards for building electronic circuits.

• Identify basic electronic components.
• Introduction to Arduino.
• Fundamentals of Arduino programming.
My STREAM focus
Section 4
Chapter 2
52
Key vocabulary
electric device that converts electrical energy

DC motor into mechanical energy using a direct current
power source
electric device that allows you to control the

L298N motor driver
speed and direction of two DC motors
infrared sensor, an electric device that

IR sensor emits infrared radiation to detect certain
characteristics of the surrounding environment
acoustic sensor that uses sound waves to

Ultrasonic sensor
measure the distance to an object
Section 4
Chapter 2
53
Activity 2.4.1
int PWM_value = 150;
int motor = 3;
void setup() {
// put your setup code here, to run once:
pinMode(motor, OUTPUT);
}
void loop() {
// put your main code here, to run repeatedly:
analogWrite(motor,PWM_value);
delay(100);
}
Modify the code to make the motor run faster.
Section 4
Chapter 2
54
Activity 2.4.2
1. Explain the parameters of the map function.
No Explanation
2. Write a code to manipulate the brightness of an LED using a potentiometer.
Section 4
Chapter 2
55
Activity 2.4.3
The following tables show the connections between the motor driver module and the
Arduino microcontroller for both motors A and B.
Motor driver pin (Motor A) Arduino Pin

7 (enable pin) 3
8 11
9 10
Motor driver pin (Motor B) Arduino Pin

10 9
11 6
12 (enable pin) 5
1. Complete the circuit below to show how two DC motors can be controlled by Arduino
using an L298N motor driver.
Section 4
Chapter 2
56
2. Analyse the following code, then modify it to rotate the motors in the opposite direction.
Modified code:
Section 4
Chapter 2
57
Activity 2.4.4
Modify the code shown to control the DC motors to turn left.
//speed of motors between 0 and 255, if you, like you can change it
int pwm_speedA = 255;
int pwm_speedB = 240;
void setup()
{
Serial1.begin(9600);
//pins for motor controller
pinMode(9, OUTPUT);
pinMode(6, OUTPUT);
pinMode(5, OUTPUT);
pinMode(11, OUTPUT);
pinMode(10, OUTPUT);
pinMode(3, OUTPUT);
}
void loop()
{
//turning right
//DC Motor A Turned on
digitalWrite(10, HIGH);
digitalWrite(11, LOW);
analogWrite(3, pwm_speedA);
//DC Motor B turned off

Section 4
analogWrite(5, 0);
}
Chapter 2
58
Activity 2.4.5
Edit the given code to control the shaft rotation of a servo motor using a potentiometer.
The hardware connection is shown below:
#include <Servo.h> //include Servo library

Servo myservo; // create servo object to control a servo
int potpin = 0; // analogue pin used to connect the potentiometer
int val; // variable to read the value from the analogue pin
int motor_position; // variable to control the PWM value of the motor
void setup() {
// attaches the servo on pin 9 to the servo object
________________________________________
}
void loop() {
// read the value of the potentiometer
val = _____________________________________
// scale it to use it with the servo (value between 0 and 180)
motor_position = map(val, 0, 1023, 0, 180);
Section 4
// sets the servo position according to the scaled value

_____________________________________________________
// wait for the servo to get there
Chapter 2
delay(15);
}
59
Activity 2.4.6
Edit the Arduino code given in the previous activity to restrict the movement of the motor
between 10o and 120o.
Hint: You need to edit the map function.
Edit the Arduino code given in the previous activity to reverse the direction of rotation of
the motor. Instead of going from 10o to 120o, it should go from 120o to 10o.
Hint: You need to edit the map function.
Section 4
Chapter 2
60
Activity 2.4.7
#define IR_sensor1_pin 3 // left sensor

#define IR_sensor2_pin 5 // middle sensor
#define motor_in1 12 // left motor

#define motor_in2 13 // left motor
#define en 11 // left motor - Enable
int sensor1;
int sensor2;
void setup()
{
pinMode(IR_sensor1_pin, INPUT);
pinMode(IR_sensor2_pin, INPUT);
pinMode(motor_in1, OUTPUT);
pinMode(motor_in2, OUTPUT);
pinMode(en, OUTPUT);
}
void loop(){
sensor1 = digitalRead(IR_sensor1_pin);
sensor2 = digitalRead(IR_sensor2_pin); Section 4
if ((sensor1 == HIGH) && (sensor2 == LOW)) {

digitalWrite(motor_in1, HIGH);
digitalWrite(motor_in2, LOW);
Chapter 2
analogWrite(en, 255);
delay(20);
}
61
else{
analogWrite(en, 0);
delay(20);
}
}
Analyse the code. What will happen after executing it?

Section 4
Chapter 2
62
Activity 2.4.8
Create a cardboard holder to mount three IR sensors. As each sensor passes over a black
line, an LED should turn ON. What would happen if the sensors were placed too close to
one another?
Use the diagram below as a reference.
Section 4
Chapter 2
63
Activity 2.4.9
The code below was written to program a regular digital IR sensor. The code does the
following:
• When an obstacle is detected: an LED turns ON and a message is displayed on the
serial monitor.
• When no obstacle is detected: an LED turns OFF and a message is displayed on the
serial monitor.
If you use the TCRT5000 sensor instead, how would the system respond when you use the
same code?
int LED = 13;
int isObstaclePin = 7;
int isObstacle = HIGH;
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
pinMode(LED, OUTPUT);
pinMode(isObstaclePin, INPUT);
}
void loop() {
isObstacle = digitalRead(isObstaclePin);
if (isObstacle == LOW) {
Serial.println(“OBSTACLE!!, OBSTACLE!!”);
digitalWrite(LED, HIGH);
}
else {
Serial.println(“clear”);
digitalWrite(LED, LOW);
}
delay(200);
}
Section 4
Chapter 2
64
Activity 2.4.10
Create a simple collision detection system. If the distance is less than 50cm, then an LED
should start blinking ON and OFF to alert the driver.
Section 4
Chapter 2
65
Activity 2.4.11
Write Arduino code for a system that measures the distance using an ultrasonic sensor.
Then, prints a message on the serial monitor describing the distance to the object as per
the table given below.
Distance in [cm] Message to display

[2 - 20] ‘Very close’
[21 – 50] ‘Close’
[51 – 100] ‘Median’
]101 – 150] ‘Far’
[151 or more] ‘Very far’
Use the following breadboard diagram to build and test the system.
Section 4
Chapter 2
66
Extra space
Section 4
Chapter 2
67
Student reflection
1-
2-
3-

1-
2-
Key skills
I don’t I’m an
understand. expert.
I understand the function of DC

motors using Arduino.
Read and generate

analogue signals with a I can identify the function of a motor
microcontroller-based driver using Arduino.
board.
I understand the function of servo

motors using Arduino.
I can explain and differentiate

Demonstrate the proper
between DC motors and servo
use/operation of motors.
motors.
I understand the function and

operation of an IR sensor module
using Arduino.
Distinguish between the
types of sensors.
I understand the function and
operation of an ultrasonic sensor
Section 4
using Arduino.
Chapter 2
68
Section 5: Arduino display tools
Aim
This section aims to introduce Arduino’s display tools, namely the LCD and the LED matrix.
Both serve as useful tools for visualising and monitoring the values sent and received from your
Arduino board.
Learning outcomes
• Analyse the difference between the types of display tools.

• Understand how to control the LCD screen.
• Understand how to use an LED matrix to display messages.
Prior knowledge
• Use breadboards for building electronic circuits.
• Identify the basic electronic components.
My STREAM focus
Key vocabulary
Liquid Crystal Display; a type of screen that

LCD displays data by changing the electric current
that changes the structure of the liquid crystals
Section 5
set (array) of LEDs connected together using a

LED Matrix
Chapter 2
grid of wires
69
Activity 2.5.1
Modify the Arduino example to print your name. Take a picture of the LCD screen and
paste it into the box below.
Arduino code:
#include <LiquidCrystal.h>
// initialize the library with the numbers of the interface pins

LiquidCrystal lcd(8, 9, 4, 5, 6, 7);
void setup() {
// set up the LCD’s number of columns and rows:
lcd.begin(______,______);
// Print your name on the LCD.

lcd.setCursor(______,______);
lcd.print(_____________________);
}
void loop() {
What will you see on your LCD screen after you enter the program in Arduino?
Section 5
Chapter 2
70
Activity 2.5.2
Study the following code, then write the expected outcome on the LCD shown below.
void setup() {
lcd.begin(16, 2);
lcd.setCursor(3, 0);
lcd.print(“Section 5”);
lcd.setCursor(6, 1);
lcd.print(“Done”);
}
Activity 2.5.3
Use the 8x8 LED matrix to display two different images. The images can be anything you
want, an emoji, a letter, a number etc. The time between displaying the first image and the
second one should not be more than 5 seconds.
Section 5
Chapter 2
71
Activity 2.5.4
In the circuit below, the servo angles are controlled via a potentiometer and are displayed
on the LCD. Construct the circuit, then complete the code below to:
- control the servo motor using a potentiometer
- display the current position of the servo on the LCD
//LCD settings
#include <LiquidCrystal.h>
LiquidCrystal lcd(8, 9, 4, 5, 6, 7); // initialise the library with the numbers of the interface
pins
// Servo motor and potentiometer settings

#include <Servo.h>
Servo myservo; // create servo object to control a servo
int potpin = A0; // analog pin used to connect the potentiometer
int val; // variable to read the value from the analog pin
int angle; // the angle servo is sent to
void setup()
{
Section 5
// set up the LCD’s number of columns and rows:

lcd.begin(16, 2);
myservo.attach(10); // attaches the servo on pin 10 to the servo object
Chapter 2
lcd.clear(); //clears the LCD screen

//Print the message “Servo Knob” on the LCD and then add a delay of 2 seconds
72
}
void loop()
{
//reads the value of the potentiometer
//scale it to use it with servo
//set the servo position according to the

scaled value
lcd.clear(); //clears the LCD screen
//Print the message “Pot. Value” on the screen by setting the cursor to (0,0)
//Print the potentiometer value on the screen by setting the cursor to (11,0)
//Repeat the steps above to print the message “Angle” and the servo position in line 1
Section 5
Chapter 2
}
73
Student reflection
1-
2-
3-

1-
2-
Key skills
I don’t I’m an
understand. expert.
Analyse the difference I can identify the function of the serial

between the types of monitor, LCD, and LED matrix using
display tools. Arduino.
Understand how to I can use Arduino to control an LCD

control the LCD screen. screen.
Understand how to use

I can use Arduino to control an LED
an LED matrix to display
matrix.
messages.
Section 5
Chapter 2
74

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Chapter 2

• Recap on the different types of algorithm descriptions.

WORD MEANING PICTURE

process of finding solutions to difficult or

process you need to follow when solving a

visual representation of the sequence of the

method used to communicate design problems

Indicate that the game has

Printing a message that one of

Indicate the beginning of the

Check if the player’s coin has

Indicate the sequence of the

Rolling the dice and moving

Pesudocode Arduino Code

Recap on the different

Formulate pseudocodes I use pseudocodes to describe

• Apply basic control structures when writing a computer program.

WORD MEANING PICTURE

repeats the process/set of instructions as long

Flowchart Arduino Code

Psuedocode Arduino Code

Flowchart Arduino Code

Psuedocode Arduino Code

Two things I have enjoyed:

I can apply while-loop repetition

• Differentiate between digital and analogue signals.

WORD MEANING PICTURE

a continuous signal that has infinite numbers to

the time needed for one cycle of a signal to be

the number of complete cycles per second;

the ratio between the on time divided by the

1. Identify the two technical errors in the code above.

Note: The resistor’s value is 100Ω.

Study the Arduino code given below.

The Arduino code

for (int brightness = 255 ; brightness > 0 ; brightness -=5){

Based on the code, what is the expected result of the system?

Potentiometer’s reading Number of turned ON LEDs

Note: All Resistors are 100Ω.

Two things I have enjoyed:

Differentiate between I can describe the function of PWM

Read and generate

• Distinguish between the types of motors and actuators.

• Use breadboards for building electronic circuits.

WORD MEANING PICTURE

electric device that converts electrical energy

electric device that allows you to control the

infrared sensor, an electric device that

acoustic sensor that uses sound waves to

2. Write a code to manipulate the brightness of an LED using a potentiometer.

Motor driver pin (Motor A) Arduino Pin

Motor driver pin (Motor B) Arduino Pin

//DC Motor B turned off

#include <Servo.h> //include Servo library

// sets the servo position according to the scaled value

#define IR_sensor1_pin 3 // left sensor

#define motor_in1 12 // left motor

if ((sensor1 == HIGH) && (sensor2 == LOW)) {