Integration Of Freescale Microcontrollers Into The Electronics And Computer Technology Curriculum

Learning to program in assembly language has been an excellent way of educating students in microprocessors and computer architecture. Traditionally, our Electronics and Computer Technology program has used Intel microprocessors in our Digital Computer Analysis course. However, jobs that involve programming Intel microprocessors will probably employ Computer Science majors and are more likely to use higher level languages such as C++. The chances that our graduates will be employed in a job involving the programming of Intel processors with assembly language are very low. The number of applications of embedded systems in industry is steadily increasing. Embedded systems utilize microcontrollers which are essentially an entire computer on one chip. Microcontrollers are designed to be used in applications such as appliances in which they will run a single program. They have inputs, such as temperature sensors and switches, and outputs, such as seven-segment displays and electric motors. Along with the processor, the microcontroller can have memory along with other peripherals such as analog-to-digital converters on one chip. As the popularity of embedded systems is increasing, it is important for students in the Electronics and Computer Technology curriculum to be exposed to microcontrollers. Programming the microcontrollers is generally done in assembly language or C. This made microcontrollers an excellent candidate for replacing the Intel microprocessors that were previously used in the class. Unfortunately, Intel has discontinued their line of MCS51 and MCS251 microcontrollers. Currently, major manufacturers of microcontrollers include: Freescale, (formerly a division of Motorola), Atmel, Analog Devices, and Texas Instruments. This paper will detail the integration of the Freescale microcontrollers in our Digital Computer Analysis course. The rationale for using Freescale microntrollers will be discussed. Freescale CodeWarrior was used to debug, compile, and download the assembly programs. A curriculum is presented along with laboratory experiments used in the class. Several options for textbooks are also presented.