The PC as a productivity tool in the microprocessor laboratory

The PC microcomputer can serve as a host system for developing microprocessor-based products. The educational potential for the PC is investigated citing the low cost and widespread availability of systems and PC-hosted products to facilitate hardware and software design. New laboratory methodologies result which prevent students from getting bogged down in learning the basic functions of an expensive and unique name-brand development system. By focusing lab activities on the PC and a powerful set of add-on tools students readily undertake the synthesis of complete projects, working from concept to product