Modular architecture with microcontroller for advanced electronic practices

The high level of complexity of integrated circuits is one of the main problems in modern electronic practices. These circuits can only be explained on a theoretical level or require expensive and specialized equipment. The traditional teaching of electronics based on discrete components or LSI integrated circuits as logic gates or flip-flops is being clearly outdated, and runs the risk of creating a gap between theory and practice that goes against the spirit of professional training. This article presents a hardware and software set of components designed for advanced electronic practices whose centerpiece is a microcontroller that connects different peripherals such as analog-to-digital converters, keyboards, displays of different technologies (including latest graphics LCD modules), power and different communications interfaces and protocols. This modular architecture can be used in basic training modules (such as analog and digital electronics) but also in more specific modules such as sound, home automation, robotics and industrial control. The components used are cheap and modules can be built in the schools to reduce its cost. The schematics and printed circuit boards are free to use and for their design has been used the open source program Kicad. The microcontroller programming environment is based on Eclipse-SDCC, which is also open source and multiplatform. This system can be used for demonstrations and school practices. The system can also be used as a platform for teaching C programming or assembler for microcontrollers. All the elements have been developed at the institute "Escolas Proval" of Nigrán (Pontevedra) by a team of electronics teachers and students. Over the last years have been designed and built some of the modules and it is planned to continue making new ones based on the training needs that will be detected and new professional qualifications currently under implementation.