Introduction to Zephyr Part 1: Getting Started - Installation and Blink | DigiKey

Welcome to our 12-part video series exploring the Zephyr Project, a powerful open-source real-time operating system (RTOS) designed for embedded systems and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. In this video, we show you how to set up the Zephyr development environment and build an example project to blink an LED. The written companion guide for this video can be found here: https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/projects/introduction-to-zephyr-part-1-getting-started-installation-and-blink/94292a725baf438c90d6ac44e6ee2dc0 Course GitHub repository: https://github.com/ShawnHymel/introduction-to-zephyr Zephyr isn't just an RTOS—it's a complete ecosystem. With its portability, advanced peripheral support, and extensive libraries for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and graphics, Zephyr simplifies complex IoT development. Its Devicetree and Kconfig tools abstract hardware details, making it easy to migrate between supported boards while focusing on application development. Supported by industry leaders like Nordic, Intel, and Arm, Zephyr is a future-proof choice for embedded developers. In this course, you will learn: Zephyr development environment with Docker CMake for building projects Kconfig for configuring software components Devicetree to abstract hardware components Devicetree bindings that provide the glue between the application and driver code Device driver development OpenOCD and GDB for step-through debugging Multithreading overview Timer and GPIO interrupts Simple graphics with LVGL WiFi and HTTP requests for developing IoT devices Custom board configuration Each episode features hands-on projects, clear explanations, and step-by-step instructions to ensure you gain practical skills while tackling Zephyr’s steep learning curve. Note that this is an intermediate course requiring the following: Proficiency in C programming (pointers, structs, callbacks) Microcontroller concepts (GPIO, registers, timers, interrupts) While it is not required, familiarity with real-time operating systems is encouraged. We recommend our Introduction to RTOS to get started: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F321087yYy4&list=PLEBQazB0HUyQ4hAPU1cJED6t3DU0h34bz. If you have completed that series, you are likely ready for this course. Required hardware: ESP32-S3-DevKitC - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/espressif-systems/ESP32-S3-DEVKITC-1-N32R8V/15970965 Adafruit MCP9808 I2C temperature sensure breakout board - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/adafruit-industries-llc/1782/4990781 Adafruit 0.96” TFT LCD (ST7735R driver) breakout board - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/adafruit-industries-llc/3533/7386265 Trimpot (10k) - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/bourns-inc/3386P-1-103TLF/1232547 2x pushbuttons - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/te-connectivity-alcoswitch-switches/1825910-6/1632536 220 Ω resistor - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/stackpole-electronics-inc/CF14JT220R/1741346 LED - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/liteon/LTL-4224/217584 Jumper wires - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/sparkfun-electronics/PRT-14284/7324438 2x solderless breadboards - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/dfrobot/FIT0096/7597069 USB A to micro B cable - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/cvilux-usa/DH-20M50055/13175849 Zephyr provides the ability to develop professional, cross-platform embedded and IoT applications. While the learning curve can be steep, we’re here to help you conquer that daunting task. Happy hacking!