An Industry Related Project-Based Microcontroller Course

During the Fall 2011 semester, a project-based microcontroller course was developed and taught covering programming, microcontroller architecture, microprocessors, and design projects. This paper describes the project-based microcontroller course based on the Parallax Basic Stamp, a single-board computer that runs the Parallax PBASIC language interpreter in its microcontroller. There were five main reasons to choose a Parallax microprocessor: a) students in electronics program did not have, or were not required to take any programming background before taking this course; b) Parallax offered a variety of sensor units and related modules to conduct a variety of experiments and make projects as part of course purpose; c) the Parallax system is compatible with most of the commercial sensors and modules; d) freeware software and resources like books are available; and e) the cost of the system and parts. PBASIC was easier to learn when compared other programming languages such as C and Assembly. After covering fundamentals of microcontroller and programming algorithms, students were given a chance to learn PBASIC by writing programs to become familiar with the BASIC Stamp module and its programming environment. During 50% of the course time (other 50% percent is spent for coursework), students built five projects using a variety of sensors purchased from Parallax. Students were required to make at least five projects using the sensors and electronics components provided in the lab. These projects include but are not limited to: measuring (temperature, humidity, wind speed, sound, motion, and force); detecting (gas levels, smoke, the water level in the water tanks; building GPS units; development of mini-robots with sensors and other devices attached. All projects were tested in a campus environment to collect data and share the knowledge gained from the projects with other students. Students submitted reports for each project and demonstrated their projects at the end of the course period. Student feedbacks were compiled about the projects. All the details (course curriculum, student body, projects, and components) are shared in this paper.