Introduction to Zephyr Part 9: Interrupts, Timers, and Counters | DigiKey

In this video, we explore interrupts, timers, counters in Zephyr RTOS. Interrupts are a cornerstone of embedded development, enabling systems to respond instantly to external or internal events. We’ll break down how interrupts work, the importance of efficient Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs), and how to handle time-sensitive operations without compromising performance. You can find a written explanation of these concepts and a breakdown of the challenge solution here: https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/tutorials/2025/introduction-to-zephyr-part-9-interrupts-and-workqueues

The GitHub repository for this course (including solutions to the challenges) can be found here: https://github.com/ShawnHymel/introduction-to-zephyr/tree/main Timers and counters are key tools in Zephyr for managing time-driven tasks. We’ll compare software-based timers, which rely on the kernel’s internal clock, to hardware-based counters that offer microsecond or nanosecond precision. By understanding when to use each, you’ll gain the ability to design systems that balance precision with flexibility. The video also dives into GPIO interrupts, showcasing how to configure them for external events like button presses. We’ll address common challenges, such as button debounce, and demonstrate practical solutions to ensure your system processes input reliably, even under noisy conditions. Workqueues are another powerful feature in Zephyr, allowing you to defer complex operations from ISRs to thread-based contexts. This not only keeps your ISRs lightweight but also ensures that tasks requiring more resources can be executed safely and efficiently. By the end of this video, you’ll understand how to leverage workqueues to enhance system responsiveness while maintaining robust functionality. This tutorial is perfect for embedded developers and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of Zephyr RTOS. With clear explanations and practical examples, it provides the knowledge you need to build efficient, real-time applications, whether you’re working on IoT devices, motor control systems, or edge AI projects.