Microcomputer technology is widely used in the design and development of modern computer systems. You will have seen many such applications in our everyday lives, such as smartphones, washing machines, microwaves, cars etc. These systems do have microprocessors/microcontrollers inside running different programs.
In this module, you will learn general principles of computer architecture and understand how the microprocessor executes instructions, interacts with hardware components and communicates with memory and I/O devices. Microprocessors and microcontrollers that are most commonly used will be covered here to compare their architectures and processing resources. You will also learn a programming language that can be used on a number of microcontrollers and how to program and compile on a given microcontroller through a series of practical sessions. You will then, in a mini-project, design and develop a microcontroller-based system using its I/O features, different communication protocols, etc.
Lecture 22, Lab 8, Workshop 12
Mini-practical: 2x labs (with reports) worth 40%.
Mini-project: (assess through demonstration + a technical report) worth 60%.
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like Including composite form of reassessment for failed performance components – composed of practical project/task and associated report.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) describe and differentiate between the architecture and processing resources of microprocessors and microcontrollers.
2) write and debug programs for microcomputer-based systems.
3) design, develop and configure microcontroller-based prototype systems.
4) test and analyse microcomputer-based systems.
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