Practical Learning in Microcontroller Courses Using Novel MISL-ASE Embedded System Development Boards
- Conference
- Location
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Portland, Oregon
- Publication Date
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June 23, 2024
- Start Date
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June 23, 2024
- End Date
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July 12, 2024
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Engineering Technology Division (ETD)
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/47855
Paper Authors
Gang Sun Northern Kentucky University
Dr. Gang Sun is currently an associate professor of Engineering Technology programs at Northern Kentucky University. His primary teaching areas are digital & analog electronics, embedded systems design, programming for engineering applications, industrial automation, control, and Capstone design. Research interests include designing mechatronic/electronic systems that integrate embedded systems, programmable logic controllers, machine vision, real-time operation system, wired/wireless communication, sensor networks, and actuator control in various industrial, agricultural, and environmental applications. Additionally, his research is concerned with the study of complex dynamic systems using traditional physics-based numerical modeling, big data analytics, and machine learning methods.
Abstract
In recent years, the growing demand for mechatronic systems and smart products has fueled a substantial expansion in the global embedded systems market, leading to an influx of high-paying design positions across various industries. Embedded systems education often relies on hands-on learning experiences provided by embedded systems development boards. To swiftly integrate the latest microcontroller techniques into existing microcontroller courses, we have developed, constructed, and tested a novel Modular Integrated Stackable Layer - Analog System Environment (MISL - ASE) board. This board, featuring the MSP430F5438A microcontroller intelligence layer in conjunction with a range of fundamental and advanced analog & digital circuits and modules, serves as major experimental equipment in our embedded systems design education. Through two pivotal microcontroller courses at Northern Kentucky University (NKU), students engage in hands-on exploration of microcontroller architecture, covering registers, memory addressing, subroutines, stacks, peripheral Inputs/Outputs, clock systems, interrupts, timers, as well as advanced microcontroller techniques and real-time operating systems. The proposed practical experiments and course projects, conducted on the MISL-ASE boards, empower students with invaluable insights and skills. Survey results from anonymous student feedback indicate heightened interest in microcontroller courses and improvements in hands-on knowledge and skills relevant to embedded systems design. This paper provides an overview of the introduction of the MISL-ASE board, details of lab assignments and final projects and examines the impacts on students' learning outcomes.
Sun, G. (2024, June), Practical Learning in Microcontroller Courses Using Novel MISL-ASE Embedded System Development Boards Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://peer.asee.org/47855
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