Microprocessor design for nonelectrical engineers: an integrated project oriented approach

The instructional techniques used at Georgia Institute of Technology in the undergraduate microprocessor laboratory class in the School of Mechanical Engineering are described. The class stresses two nontraditional teaching methods. The class is taught in an integrated style with both software and hardware concepts being introduced and developed simultaneously. The class includes a final project in which groups of students are required to complete a design project that integrates hardware and software design with electronic interfacing design and mechanical systems analysis. An overview of the curriculum is presented as an introduction to the novel teaching methods. The methods are also illustrated by project descriptions drawn from the class archives