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Python-based Microcontroller Architecture and Microcontroller Application Education in Engineering Technology

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Conference

2025 ASEE -GSW Annual Conference

Location

Arlington, TX, Texas

Publication Date

March 9, 2025

Start Date

March 9, 2025

End Date

March 11, 2025

Page Count

8

DOI

10.18260/1-2--55073

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/55073

Download Count

51

Paper Authors

biography

Byul Hur Texas A&M University

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Dr. B. Hur received his B.S. degree in Electronics Engineering from Yonsei University, in Seoul, Korea, in 2000, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA, in 2007 and 2011, respectively. In 2016, he joined the faculty of Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. USA, where he is currently an Associate Professor. His research interests include Mixed-signal/RF circuit design and testing, measurement automation, environmental & biomedical data measurement, and educational robotics development.

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Abstract

Python gained good popularity in computer programming education. Generally, Python is a high-level language, and it is considered a scripting language. For firmware or microcontroller education, compiler-based C/C++ languages are typically taught in courses and lessons. As an alternative approach, Python script language can be used in creating programs to control microcontrollers and processors. In this paper, MicroPython will be reviewed and studied as a potential use in microcontroller and embedded system education. MicroPython is open-source software, and it is a lean version of a standard Python. In this paper, several programming laboratory examples will be presented, and they are written in MicroPyhon for a Raspberry Pi Pico, RP2040. Alternative MicroPython-based microcontroller programming methods can be potentially taught as additional topics as a part of the microcontroller application course curriculum course. The pros and cons of the MicroPython-based microcontroller application lessons and laboratory examples will be presented and discussed in this paper.

Hur, B. (2025, March), Python-based Microcontroller Architecture and Microcontroller Application Education in Engineering Technology Paper presented at 2025 ASEE -GSW Annual Conference, Arlington, TX, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--55073

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