Innovative Approach to Teaching an Undergraduate Microprocessor Class

This paper investigates the advantages of teaching PICMicro® microcontrollers over the traditional teaching approach using full-blown microprocessors. Traditionally, most schools have taught the undergraduate microprocessor class using full-blown microprocessors such as the Z80, 68000, 8051, and the 68HC11. Although these microprocessors have been widely used in microcomputers and microcontrollers over the years, they are no longer being used in many products that utilize microprocessors. Some examples of such products include automobiles, sensor systems, various home appliances, and toys. With the exception of computer engineering, the likelihood of an engineering or engineering technology graduate, programming full-blown microprocessors is declining rapidly as the designers and manufacturers of electronic and electromechanical devices continue to reduce design/production time, circuit size, and device cost by using PICMicro® microcontrollers. The Electronics Engineering Technology program at Southern Utah University has recently taught a onesemester Microprocessor course using PIC 16F84 and PIC 16F876. The knowledge of PICMicro® programming and interfacing provides the students with a powerful tool that they can use in their research and senior projects to develop devices and circuits that will in turn improve their marketability in the job market.