A Design Project Approach To Microcontrollers

Introductory microprocessor and microcontroller classes often seem to be taught with a minimum of realistic applications and experience. Either the courses have no laboratory experience at all, or the laboratory exercises are far removed from practical consumer or industrial applications. A two course sequence has been developed in the Padnos School of Engineering at Grand Valley State University which is designed to ensure that the students have extensive hands-on experience in practical microprocessor and microcontroller applications. This experience will prepare them for the demands of industry, both in their co-op employment and in their post graduation employment. An important part of this experience is the use of extensive design projects emphasizing embedded control applications.