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The Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi has developed a Digital Systems Laboratory that affords Computer Science and Engineering Technology students state-of-the-art training tools. The laboratory also enhances the ability of the College of Science and Technology to demonstrate science and engineering concepts to local high school students who participate in tours of the facilities on several occasions throughout the year. This paper presents the major components of the laboratory and describes some of the experiments developed for teaching a senior-level course in microprocessors and microcontrollers.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (A&M-CC) recently established a Digital Systems Laboratory (DSL) that provides interdisciplinary educational and research capabilities in several science and engineering areas1. These areas include systems analysis and design, optimization and prototyping, hardware-software co-design, re- configurable architectures, peripheral simulation, modular design and integration, timing and state analysis, multi-layer board applications, mixed-signal simulation and design, system modeling and algorithm development, digital design methods, interfacing, and the use of microcontrollers as basic building blocks in data acquisition and control applications. The laboratory supports several courses and gives Computer Science (CS) and Engineering Technology (ET) students unique training opportunities and benefits.
Microcontrollers have been used in a variety of applications, including cameras, automobiles, printers, video games, toys, and phones. As a result, the study of Microcontrollers has been included in many engineering and technology curricula [1-3]. The Control Systems Engineering Technology Curriculum at A&M-CC includes a course that covers microprocessors and microcontrollers. The rest of this paper presents the laboratory equipment and describes some of the experiments that were developed in fall 2003 to support teaching the microprocessors and microcontrollers course..
1 This project is funded in part by the US Army Research Office, award # DAAD19-03- 1-0099
Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright 2004, American Society for Engineering Education
Details
Microprocessors;
Computer science;
Curricula;
Multilayers;
Engineering education;
Digital systems;
Toys;
Digital computers;
Computer simulation;
Colleges & universities;
Students;
Training;
Design analysis;
Systems engineering;
Systems analysis;
Co-design;
Prototyping;
Algorithms;
Laboratory equipment;
Modular design;
Engineering;
Design optimization;
Automotive parts;
Computer & video games;
Educational technology;
Laboratories;
Experiments;
Interdisciplinary research;
Science and technology;
Secondary schools;
Equipment;
Simulation;
Teaching;
Art exhibitions;
Automobiles;
Secondary school students;
Optimization;
Application;
Computerized corpora;
Motor cars;
Control systems;
Cameras;
Army;
Educational research;
Video recordings;
Ability;
Interdisciplinary aspects;
Research