CprE
Microcontroller Evolution
211
ABSTRACT
DESIGN CONSTRAINTS
Microcontrollers are one of the most prevalent electronic devices in today’s technology dependent
society. They can be found in a wide variety of applications from coffee makers to cameras to space
shuttles. For this reason, Iowa State University’s Department of Electrical and Computer
Engineering has appointed a group of students to research and experiment with new microcontroller
technologies to enhance the existing hardware and software used in the Introduction to
Microcontrollers (CprE 211) course.
1. Durability: hardware will be exposed to a high level of use from a
variety of students.
2. Reliability: under adverse conditions hardware is expected to last
5-7 years. Hardware and compiler vendor should supply adequate
support for replacement products.
3. Ease of use: the software compiler and debugger should provide a
straightforward method of use for sophomore level CprE/EE
students.
INTRODUCTION
CprE 211 is a laboratory based course that introduces a variety of essential topics related to
computers using the Motorola M68HC11 microcontroller. Although developed in 1978, this basic 8bit microcontroller is still able to adequately acquaint the students with fundamental computer
topics like I/O, interrupts, memory, and assembly language programming. However, as the
computer industry continues to progress, so should the educational experience. It is this team’s
objective to design and develop a 32-bit prototype board with software support libraries for the
CprE 211 laboratories. The hardware solution will retain all of the functionality currently found in
the F1-board/M68HC11 combination in addition to exploiting the new features offered by the 32-bit
microcontroller. The software development environment will also be enhanced to include a
completely integrated visual compiler and debugger.
MILESTONES
1. Acquisition or
microcontroller
creation
of
prototype
board
with
32-bit
2. Purchase and test robust software development tools
3. Develop and test software C libraries for hardware
4. Upgrade/modify one full semester of CprE 211 laboratory projects
5. Develop designer and end-user documentation
Figure 1:
END–PRODUCT DESIGN
F1-board /
M68HC11
combination
currently used
in CprE211
ASSUMPTIONS
• The 32-bit microcontroller will require a
new robust and easy to use software compiler
• A one month window is necessary to
submit/process printed circuit board designs
• Hardware vendors must be able to support
their products for at least five years
Figure 2: End-product design diagram
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
TECHNICAL APPROACH
Design Objectives
• Interface
hardware
microcontroller
components
with
3a. Assemble and test
prototype board . Print
silicon PCB layout
32-bit
1. Identify necessary
hardware components.
Purchase
microcontroller and
software development
package
• Design PCB with functionality extended beyond F1-board
• Write hardware support and interface libraries in C
2. Design prototype
board using CAD
software.
Construct high
level software
design.
3b. Develop and test
software support
libraries in C and
assembly language
• Test compiler, hardware, software compatibility
• Ensure that the current CprE 211 laboratory projects
work with the new hardware implementation
4. Integrate and test
hardware and
software. Update
CprE 211 laboratory
projects.
5. Develop
documentation.
Present solution
to clients.
Figure 3: Technical approach diagram
Functional Requirements
TESTING APPROACH
• Digital output one: LCD with a minimum of a 2x20 screen
• Digital output two: 8-16 pin multi-functional output
1 . Hardware: each component on the microcontroller will need to be tested individually using multi-meters,
logic analyzers, and circuit probe analysis. Next, the components will be tested together in subsystems to
ensure compatibility.
• Digital input one: minimum of an 8-bit DIP switch
• Digital input two: minimum of a 5x8 keypad
2. Software: Ensure that the new software development environment is fully compatible with the hardware
system. Test and debug the developed software support libraries.
• Analog input: minimum of a one-turn potentiometer
• Microcontroller: 32-bit, RISC architecture
3. Laboratory Testing and Modification: Update laboratory exercises to ensure proper operation with new
hardware/software implementation
• PCB: integrates hardware components
TEaM:Dec01–04
BUDGET
CLIENTS/ADVISORS
REFERENCES
Jon Froehlich jonf@iastate.edu
CprE 295 hrs
Total Effort
Total Cost
Brad
Hottinger
hotti@iastate.edu
CprE 305 hrs
1185 hours
$600.00
Derek Miller
dlmiller@iastate.ed CprE 305 hrs
u
Dr. Arun Somani
Dr. Manimaran
Govindarasu
Aaron Striegel
Nicholas Professor
Assistant Professor
Graduate Student
Metroworks: http://www.metrowerks.com
Motorola: http://www.motorola.com
CprE 211 Lab Manual