Chabot College
Fall 2011
Replaced Fall 2012
Course Outline for Electronic Systems Technology 55A
MICROCONTROLLER SYSTEMS
Catalog Description:
55A – Microcontroller Systems
2 units
Architecture, programming, application and troubleshooting of single-chip microcontroller electronic
systems. Digital building blocks, number systems, programming in high-level and assembly language.
Interfacing the microcontroller for practical applications, measurement techniques and
instrumentation, troubleshooting techniques. Co-requisite: ESYS 50 or equivalent. 1 hour lecture,
2 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: 17.5 lecture; 35 laboratory]
Prerequisite:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. trace timing, inputs, and outputs of a single-chip microcontroller with appropriate test equipment
and schematic diagrams;
2. create simple programs in high-level and assembly language for practical and diagnostic
purposes;
3. interpret manufacturers’ data sheets for microprocessor devices;
4. use test equipment to troubleshoot microprocessor-based electronic systems;
5. analyze the operation of microprocessor systems.
Course Content:
1. Course Content, Lecture
a. Basic principles of digital systems
b. Microcontroller architectures
c. Software for microcontrollers
d. Diagnostic and program verification techniques
e. Digital signal processing
2. Course Content, Laboratory
a. Simulating a microcontroller in Assembly Language
b. Observe and measure the inputs and outputs of digital systems
c. Assembling and loading a program to a single-chip microprocessor
d. Observe and measure the effect of assembly language commands and directives on
microprocessor outputs
e. Tracing microprocessor program execution
Chabot College
Course Outline for Electronic Systems Technology 55A, Page 2
Fall 2011
Methods of Presentation:
1. Online learning objects
2. Small group discussion/lecture
3. Laboratory
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Program a microcontroller with a given program and verify the operation of the system meets
specifications.
b. Write a high-level program to use a microcontroller as a temperature control system,
monitoring a temperature sensor and controlling a fan to maintain a stable temperature.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Homework and laboratory written reports
b. Class participation
c. Observation and critique of laboratory exercises
d. Quizzes, Midterm, and Final Examinations
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Lessons in Electric Circuits, Vol. 1 & 2, Kuphaldt, open source, hosted on openbookproject.net
Special Student Materials:
None
wap ESYS55A_S11.doc
New: September 2, 2008
Revised: October 11, 2010