Lesson Plan
Course Title: Concepts of Engineering and Technology
Session Title: Basic Electricity and Electronics: Module 3 - Microprocessor Basics
Performance Objective:
After completing this lesson, students will demonstrate an understanding of basic
microprocessor fundamentals by taking a Microprocessor Basics quiz.
Specific Objectives:
Students will be able to:
 Recall that transistors are the fundamental building block of all electronic devices
 Explain how transistors are used to make logic gates
 Describe how logic gates work as a circuit to perform defined functions
 Recognize how we use truth tables to define the functions we want to perform
 Identify the fundamentals of binary logic
 List the basic parts that make up a computer and a microprocessor
 Relate a general understanding of how a microprocessor actually works
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the
activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Concepts of Engineering and Technology:

130.362 (c)(1)(B)(C)(D)
...identify the inputs, processes, and outputs associated with technological systems;
...describe the difference between open and closed systems;
...describe how technological systems interact to achieve common goals;

130.362 (c)(6)(A)(B)(C)(D)
...identify and describe the fundamental processes needed for a project, including design
and prototype development;
...identify the chemical, mechanical, and physical properties of engineering materials;
...use problem-solving techniques to develop technological solutions;
...use consistent units for all measurements and computations;

130.362 (c)(8)(A)(B)(C)(D)(E)
...describe applications of process control and automation systems;
...describe career opportunities in process control and automation systems;
...apply design concepts to problems in process control and automation systems;
...identify fields related to process control and automation systems; and
...identify emerging issues in process control and automation systems.
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1
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
Algebra I:

111.32 (b)(1)(A)(B)(C)(D)(E)
...describe independent and dependent quantities in functional relationships;
...gather and record data and use data sets to determine functional relationships
between quantities;
...describe functional relationships for given problem situations and write equations or
inequalities to answer questions arising from the situations;
...represent relationships among quantities using concrete models, tables, graphs,
diagrams, verbal descriptions, equations, and inequalities; and
...interpret and make decisions, predictions, and critical judgments from functional
relationships.

111.32 (b)(3)(A)(B)
...use symbols to represent unknowns and variables; and
...look for patterns and represent generalizations algebraically.

111.32 (b)(4)(A)(B)
...find specific function values, simplify polynomial expressions, transform and solve
equations, and factor as necessary in problem situations;
...use the commutative, associative, and distributive properties to simplify algebraic
expressions;
Integrated Physics and Chemistry:

112.38 (c)(3)(A)(D)(E)
…in all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using
empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing,
including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as
to encourage critical thinking by the student;
…evaluate the impact of research on scientific thought, society, and the environment;
…describe connections between physics and chemistry and future careers;

112.38 (c)(5)(C)(F)
…demonstrate that moving electric charges produce magnetic forces and moving
magnets produce electric forces;
…evaluate the transfer of electrical energy in series and parallel circuits and conductive
materials;

112.38 (c)(6)(B)(D)
…relate chemical properties of substances to the arrangement of their atoms or
molecules;
…relate the physical and chemical behavior of an element, including bonding and
classification, to its placement on the Periodic Table;
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2
Teacher Preparation:
Read through the Microprocessor Basics PowerPoint presentation, Technical Terms and
Definitions handout and Microprocessor quiz.
References:
Goodheart-Willcox, Electricity and Electronics by Howard H. Gerrish, William E. Dugger, Jr.,
Richard M. Roberts
Cengage Learning Inc./Delmar (2008) Engineering Design and Introduction, by John R. Karsnitz,
John P. Hutchinson, Stephen O’Brien
Use Wikipedia as a resource.
Instructional Aids:
1. Microprocessor Basics PowerPoint presentation
2. Technical Terms and Definitions handout for each student
3. Microprocessor Basics Quiz for each student
4. Microprocessor Basics Quiz Key
Materials Needed:
1. Pen or pencil
2. A bare motherboard
3. A transistor
Equipment Needed:
1. Computer
2. Projector
Learner Preparation:
This lesson builds on Basic Electricity and Electronics Modules 1 and Modules 2.
Introduction
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY: We have learned some of the basics behind transistors, binary, and logic. We are now
going to combine these to make more complicated devices like a microprocessor.
ASK: Has anyone looked inside a computer? The microprocessor is hard to see because it is
hidden behind the cooling fan and heat sink, but we can see a lot about what a microprocessor
actually does by looking at the motherboard itself.
SHOW: The bare motherboard.
SAY: The motherboard looks pretty complicated, but there are a couple of general categories
of things we can understand. There are a lot of other chips we can see. These connect a lot of
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the different devices together. Why we need a lot of different chips is because they all
communicate differently, and these chips translate the signals from each device so they can talk
together. By “translate” I mean change the size and speed of the data words.
ASK: Do you see all these wires? This is the way a computer communicates, by placing
voltage on wires. These wires connect everything together.
SHOW: The transistor.
SAY: All the voltage on the wires goes to a device like this, called a transistor. What a
transistor like this might do is turn on to put data into a memory location.
ASK: Do you see these three leads?
SAY: It takes some type of electric circuit to make the transistor work right, but basically one of
these leads is the power supply, one of these is the output, and one of these is a control signal
on the input. These leads are labeled the emitter, base, and collector.
Outline
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructors can use the PowerPoint presentation, slides, handouts, and note pages in
conjunction with the following outline.
MI
Outline
Notes to Instructor
I. The first slide is a review of the operation of an
inverter. It is designed to refresh the students
understanding of how a transistor works.
A. This transistor works like a switch, turning on or
off.
B. When off, positive voltage from the power supply
is coupled to the output.
C. When on, ground is connected to the output and
power supply voltage is dropped across the
collector resistor.
D. This is actually a simplified circuit, none of the
output voltages are ideal.
Begin Microprocessor
Basics PowerPoint
presentation.
II. Most transistor circuits are a little more complicated
than shown. They are designed to show the basics of
operation. Then we show slightly more complicated
circuits that are closer to circuits actually used.
A. For the OR gate, without the diodes any voltage
on one input will be transferred over to the other
input.
B. Other circuits also need to be modified to work
better.
The concept of a
voltage from one input
feeding back to the
other input allows you
to talk about input
devices and output
devices and how they
connect together.
Voltage fed back to
what should be the
output of a circuit (in
other words you are
feeding an input into
an output) can effect
the operation of the
circuit and violate the
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truth table.
III. The truth table defines the logical operation we
want, the physical circuit is built to perform that exact
operation.
A. The physical structure of a transistor (the N and
P regions) are represented in a simpler form by
the transistor schematic symbol.
B. Transistor circuits we build to perform a logical
operation are also represented in simpler form by
other schematic symbols.
C. The adder circuit itself is shown in schematic
form as a box.
There is a kind of a
hierarchy to schematic
symbols. The
complexity leads us to
eventually show
devices as “black
boxes” that perform
some function.
IV. There are seven total logic gates.
A. All of the other logic gates are actually made up
of the three basic gates.
B. Each of the seven gates has a unique truth
table.
We don’t show all of
the other logic gates or
their truth tables to
keep from
overwhelming the
students, and they are
not important to the
operation of an adder
circuit. However, you
can introduce them if
you like.
V. In the decoder circuit, only one of the AND gate
circuits produces a high output at a time.
A. The one AND gate that is on depends on the
binary code in.
B. The one gate that turns on typically turns on
some other circuit, like a memory circuit (shown),
or some other circuit that produces outputs or
looks for inputs.
C. Codes do everything in a computer. An
instruction is decoded by turning on a circuit that
performs a specific set of actions in some
sequence.
D. Only that specific instruction (code) turns on the
circuit that performs that sequence of actions.
E. If you are starting to think that there must be a
whole bunch of decoder circuits in a CPU you are
starting to understand how a CPU actually works.
Our CD ROM can only
send data into the
CPU (or memory)
when the CPU asks for
the data. The CPU
asks for the data by
enabling (turning on)
the output of the CD
ROM. A code is also
used to turn on the
memory location
where the data goes.
VI. A computer has several basic parts a student
needs to be able to understand.
There is a word
document handout that
.
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A. The CPU also has several internal parts
(functions) that a student needs to know.
B. Emphasize that the primary job of a
microprocessor is to execute instructions.
C. There is another device called a microcontroller
that is not necessarily optimized to execute
instructions.
D. A microcontroller usually focuses on inputs and
outputs to perform a specific function.
describes in more
detail how a CPU
works. You should
also do some online
research to flesh out
your own
understanding.
VII. Microprocessors and microcontrollers
communicate with the outside world through the bus
system.
A. There are three primary groups of wires known
as a bus: data, address, and control. Power
and ground also use a group of wires, but may
not be considered a bus (depending on the
reference).
B. The clock signals is one of the rare control
signals that come from outside the CPU.
Verbal
Linguistic
Logical
Mathematical
Visual
Spatial
Musical
Rhythmic
Bodily
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Application
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Most of the guided practice involves memorizing. They need to draw schematic symbols, draw
the truth tables, and be able to give definitions of things like a decoder. The parts of a computer
and CPU must be memorized. They need to be given the terms and definitions, and they need
to be reviewed frequently.
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Review Terms and Definitions Worksheet and take mini quizzes.
Summary
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Question: What are TTL voltage levels?
Answer: + 5V and 0V.
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Question: What type of logic gate produces a high output when any input is high?
Answer: The OR gate.
Question: What is the difference between the schematic symbol of the OR gate vs the AND
gate?
Answer: The OR gate has a curved input side, the AND gate input side is straight.
Question: What is the defining characteristic of the schematic symbol for an inverter?
Answer: The circle on the output, called the bubble. This “bubble” is often the only symbol
used for the inverter.
Question: What are the two outputs of an adder?
Answer: The sum and the carry out.
Question: What is a decoder?
Answer: A circuit used to convert a multi-bit binary number input into an output that performs
an action, like turn on a memory circuit.
Question: What are the two things a clock signal does?
Answer: Triggers the start of an operation, and defines the duration (or length of time) the
operation lasts.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Technical Terms and Definitions handout. Students should write out definitions, draw truth
tables, and list the different parts to each system given.
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Microprocessor Basics Quiz.
Extension
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Have the students research the differences between a microprocessor and a microcontroller.
Have the student give examples where each are used.
It would be great to be able to do some type of robotic project using a microprocessor or
microcontroller upon completion of this module. Some of this module has been memory
intensive, students need to apply their knowledge in a practical application to cement and
solidify their understanding.
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Microprocessor Basics
Technical Terms and Definitions
1. The truth table is used to illustrate the output for all possible combinations of inputs.
2. The Boolean equation can be used to mathematically illustrate the functional
operation of a logic gate.
3. The major subsections of a CPU are: The ALU and control unit.
4. The main thing the microprocessor does is execute instructions.
5. In a computer, an instruction cycle is followed by an execution cycle.
6. The System Clock signal is used to synchronize all microprocessor operations.
7. A Write operation is performed when a data word is placed into memory.
8. Its address determines where a data word will be stored in a memory unit?
9. An AND Gate performs the carry out function of an adder.
10. Instructions are processed sequentially.
11. Three types of buses include Address, Data, and Control (power).
12. Three of the basic parts to a computer are: Input Unit; Output Unit Memory; and
CPU.
13. A computer “bus” system is a group of wires that all perform a common function, go
everywhere, and connect everything together.
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14. Examples of control signals include: 1) clock; 2) enable/disable; 3) read/write; 4)
interrupt; and 5) ready to send/clear to send.
15. There are eight (8) bits in a byte?
16. Following is the truth table for two input (A and B) addition:
A
0
0
1
1
B
0
1
0
1
Σ
0
1
1
0
C
0
0
0
1
17. The phrase “totem pole” in a circuit means: A two transistor circuit where each
transistor has an opposite state (when one transistor is on the other is off and vice
versa). It is used to produce output voltages that are closer to ideal.
18. The two things a clock signal does are: 1) triggers the start of an instruction cycle;
and, 2) defines the duration of the instruction cycle.
19. A decoder circuit uses logic gates to turn on a single output from a particular binary
number (code) input.
20. Describe the relationship between the program counter and the stack: The program
counter holds the address of the next instruction to be executed. The stack holds the
addresses of other programs and data that are not currently being used but have
been used at other times and may be called for use again. Addresses from the stack
and the program counter go back and forth as needed.
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Microprocessor Basics
Quiz
1. Which of the following is used to illustrate the output for all possible combinations of inputs?
a.
b.
c.
d.
NAND gate
Boolean equation
Timing diagram
Truth table
2. What can be used to mathematically illustrate the functional operation of a logic gate?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Logic probe
Boolean equation
Truth table
Timing diagram
3. What are the major subsections of a CPU?
a.
b.
c.
d.
MPU and ROM
VLSI and ASIC
ALU and control unit
EEPROM and volatile RAM
4. What is the main thing the microprocessor does?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Multi-processing
Calculations on data
Executes instructions
Memory fetch operations
5. In a computer, an instruction cycle is followed by a/an:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Analog cycle
Digital cycle
Execution cycle
Acknowledgement
6. Which bus signal is used to synchronize all microprocessor operations?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The Read/Write signal
The System Clock signal
The Interrupt Request signal
The DMA Request signal
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7. What type of operation is performed when a data word is placed into memory?
a.
b.
c.
d.
A Write operation
A Read operation
A Fetch operation
An interrupt operation
8. What determines where a data word will be stored in a memory unit?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Its address
Its size
Its type
Its function
9. What type of gate performs the carry out function of an adder?
a.
b.
c.
d.
An inverter
An OR gate
An AND Gate
An Exclusive-OR
10. Instructions are processed:
a.
b.
c.
d.
As a group
Sequentially
Randomly
Only when the user provides input
11. List three types of buses.
12. List three of the basic parts to a computer.
13. What is a computer “bus” system?
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14. List 3 examples of control signals.
15. How many bits in a byte?
16. Give the truth table for two input (A and B) addition.
17. What does the phrase “totem pole” in a circuit mean?
18. What are the two things a clock signal does?
19. What does a decoder circuit do?
20. Describe the relationship between the program counter and the stack.
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Microprocessor Basics
Quiz Key
1. Which of the following is used to illustrate the output for all possible combinations of inputs?
e.
f.
g.
h.
NAND gate
Boolean equation
Timing diagram
Truth table
2. What can be used to mathematically illustrate the functional operation of a logic gate?
e.
f.
g.
h.
Logic probe
Boolean equation
Truth table
Timing diagram
3. What are the major subsections of a CPU?
e.
f.
g.
h.
MPU and ROM
VLSI and ASIC
ALU and control unit
EEPROM and volatile RAM
4. What is the main thing the microprocessor does?
e.
f.
g.
h.
Multi-processing
Calculations on data
Executes instructions
Memory fetch operations
5. In a computer, an instruction cycle is followed by a/an:
e.
f.
g.
h.
Analog cycle
Digital cycle
Execution cycle
Acknowledgement
6. Which bus signal is used to synchronize all microprocessor operations?
e.
f.
g.
h.
The Read/Write signal
The System Clock signal
The Interrupt Request signal
The DMA Request signal
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13
7. What type of operation is performed when a data word is placed into memory?
e.
f.
g.
h.
A Write operation
A Read operation
A Fetch operation
An interrupt operation
8. What determines where a data word will be stored in a memory unit?
e.
f.
g.
h.
Its address
Its size
Its type
Its function
9. What type of gate performs the carry out function of an adder?
e.
f.
g.
h.
An inverter
An OR gate
An AND Gate
An Exclusive-OR
10. Instructions are processed:
e.
f.
g.
h.
As a group
Sequentially
Randomly
Only when the user provides input
11. List three types of buses.
Address, Data, Control, (power)
12. List three of the basic parts to a computer.
Input unit, Output Unit. Memory, CPU
13. What is a computer “bus” system?
A group of wires that all perform a common function
A group of wires that go everywhere and connect everything together
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14
14. List 3 examples of control signals.
Clock, enable/disable, read/write, interrupt, ready to send/clear to send
15. How many bits in a byte?
8
16. Give the truth table for two input (A and B) addition.
A
0
0
1
1
B
0
1
0
1
Σ
0
1
1
0
C
0
0
0
1
17. What does the phrase “totem pole” in a circuit mean?
A two transistor circuit where each transistor has an opposite state.
(When one transistor is on the other is off and vice versa)
Used to produce output voltages that are closer to ideal.
18. What are the two things a clock signal does?
Triggers the start of an instruction cycle.
Defines the duration of the instruction cycle.
19. What does a decoder circuit do?
Uses logic gates to turn on a single output from a particular binary number
(code)Input.
20. Describe the relationship between the program counter and the stack.
The program counter holds the address of the next instruction to be executed.
The stack holds the addresses of other programs and data that are not currently
being used but have been used at other times and may be called for use again.
Addresses from the stack and the program counter go back and forth as needed.
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15