Mech 405 Introduction to Microcontrollers

This course is an introduction to microcontrollers, programming, hardware interfacing and system design with embedded microcontrollers. The course is built around the Motorola 68HC11 microcontroller. It consists of three main sections:

• Introduction to microprocessors, microcontrollers and basic organization of components of a microprocessor
• 68HC11 assembly language and microprocessor programming techniques with C
• Basic and advanced hardware interfacing for intelligent system design.

Course outcomes:

Students will be able to:

• Model basic electrical circuits and components.
• Design a system with an embedded microcontroller following a design process.
• Design a system that will meet realistic constraints such as economical, manufacturability, safety, etc.
• Build a system prototype that meets design specifications.
• Contribute to work of their team by sharing responsibilities.
• Create conceptual designs for the team project.
• Work effectively with other on the team through good interpersonal skills.
• Deliver project presentations.
• Explain the impact of their design solution in an economical context.
• Describe the impact of microcontroller technology on a contemporary issue, such as healthcare, environmental, etc.
• Interface devices such as switches, relays, DC motors to the microcontroller.
• Program a microcontroller to provide solutions for practical problems.

Course syllabus [PDF]