I’m Robert Rico — an embedded systems enthusiast applying over a decade of software and web development experience to learn how computers really work, from the transistor up.
This site chronicles my journey as I refresh computer science fundamentals and progress from blinking LEDs to building computers out of discrete logic.
It’s both a portfolio and a learning journal—documenting not just what I built, but why each project led to the next.
Technical Areas
- Digital logic and computer architecture (discrete CPU design)
- Embedded firmware development (STM32, RP2040, ESP32)
- Wireless communication protocols and real-time systems
- Low-level programming, RTOS, and hardware debugging
Each project documents not just the final result, but also the problems encountered, solutions developed, and insights that shaped the next challenge.
- DINO CPU Project – Memory Module Implementation
- DINO CPU Project – Microcode Decoder Module Implementation
- DINO CPU Project – Program Counter Implementation and Validation
- DINO CPU Project – Control Word Matrix Implementation and Instruction Set Architecture
- DINO CPU Project – Ring Counter Implementation and Control Unit Architecture
- DINO CPU Project – The Control Unit Revelation
- DINO CPU Project: Building an 8-Bit Computer from Discrete Logic
- Earth Rover Development: ADC Expansion Discovery and the Catalyst for DINO
- Earth Rover Development: STM32 Integration and SPI/DMA Challenges
- SPI Communication: From Theory to Working Protocol
- The Earth Rover: Engineering a Multi-MCU Control System
- Bare-Metal Embedded C Programming: Understanding More
