A Laboratory Environment for the Introduction of Microprocessor Systems into the Electrical Engineering Curriculum: Methodology and Experiences

Major advances in the state of the art of integrated circuit fabrication have created a revolution in computer system technology. Due to the permeation of microcomputer systems into other fields of Engineering and Science, the use of the microcomputer as a laboratory instrument can be integrated into courses other than the core digital systems courses. The development of a laboratory with high level program development tools on a dedicated timesharing system, coupled with facilities to load these programs into a variety of stand-alone microcomputers to support laboratory courses is described. The approach is inherently independent of the evolution in the microcomputer industry and can be used by "non-digital" students. The design, implementation, and use of the laboratory is described.