Description

When implementing final year projects, students may need to program a microprocessor in order to achieve the project objectives. Therefore, a system is designed in order to assist students who have limited background knowledge in computer engineering to learn the basics of microprocessor programming primarily using the C programming language. In addition to the software, various hardware components are provided so that students can develop simple systems so the learning outcomes can be enhanced by practice.

This system includes hardware components and a software programme. The specifications of the software are:

• A user-friendly interface;
• Ability to implement microprocessor-based system so that users can learn the I/O mechanism;
• Ability to generate a programme so that users can learn how to programme the microprocessor using C language to control the microprocessor; and
• Facilitation of data collection.

The software is developed based on the Windows Form programming and it provides a graphical user interface GUI). According to the existing hardware modules, this software supports 2 input modules and 4 output models. Through the GUI, users can select different input/ output modules and specify action to be performed. The control programme will be generated so that students can study the programme and learn the programming techniques. The programme created by the system can be compiled by the Keil compiler and students can test the software after downloading the programme to the ADuC832 processor module.

Intended Educational Value

The system can be used as a self-learning tool for C language programming for an 8052 core microprocessor or it can also be applied in laboratory sessions for subjects related to embedded system or coputer systems.

The system allows user to implement an embedded system very rapidly provided that proper hardware modules are available. The C source program can be accessed by the user. Therefore, by testing different settings and combinations, it enables the student to understand the different programming syntax and achieving the different programming tasks. With such exercise, self-learning can be accomplished.

From feedback collected from users, majority of the students agree that the system is easy to use and the system can produce a proper C program based on information provided by users. Most students would like to use the system to implement an actual system. Half of the students agree that the system can help them to learn as well as they have learnt some basic C language programming syntax for the microprocessor.

Example of Application

A simple manual was given to the students so that by following the steps, students can learn how to make use of the system. Students were asked to go through a simple exercise in order to learn the basic operating mechanisms of the system and this was followed by a more difficult programming task.

Evaluation/ Comments

A survey was conducted. Survey findings show students agreed that the system was easy to use. Over 63% of the students would like to use the system for real applications and only half of the students agreed that other subjects should also provide similar set of toolkit. 56% of the students agreed that the system could help them to learn and only 44% of them agreed that they learned basic C language for microprocessor through this system.

From these findings, the project team concluded that students in general were satisfied with the functionalities of the system. However, it was still early to conclude whether this system could perform as a self-learning tool.

Remarks

If you would like to get a copy of this toolkit, please feel free to contac the project leader.