Microcomputer and Interface Technology: Labs and Practical Sessions | Generated by AI
Here’s a comprehensive guide on the Labs and Practical Sessions section for the Microcomputer and Interface Technology course, focusing on the basic and comprehensive labs mentioned in your outline:
3. Labs and Practical Sessions
Basic Labs
1. Assembly Programming (Keyboard Input/Display Output)
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Objective: The primary goal of this lab is to learn how to write assembly programs that handle basic input and output operations on a microcomputer.
- Key Concepts:
- Understanding the assembly language syntax.
- Interaction with I/O ports for keyboard input and display output.
- Use of interrupts for processing input.
- Lab Tasks:
- Keyboard Input: Write an assembly program that captures a key press from the keyboard and stores it in a register.
- Display Output: Program the system to display the captured key on a 7-segment LED display or an LCD screen.
- Program Control: Implement simple program flow like looping or conditional jumps based on user input.
- Tools: Microcontroller (e.g., 8051, PIC), development environments like Keil or MPLAB, hardware interfaces like LED displays or LCDs, and keyboard interfaces.
2. 8255A-Controlled LED/Keyboard Experiments
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Objective: This lab focuses on interfacing the 8255A Programmable Peripheral Interface (PPI) with LEDs and a keyboard. This chip helps in managing the input/output operations, which is essential for efficient microcomputer systems.
- Key Concepts:
- 8255A Interface: Learn to program and interface the 8255A chip for controlling input/output devices.
- Port Modes: 8255A offers three modes of operation — Input Mode, Output Mode, and Bidirectional Mode. The lab emphasizes configuring the chip to use these modes effectively.
- LED Control: Implement the use of LEDs to visualize the results of inputs processed by the system.
- Lab Tasks:
- LED Control: Develop a program that turns on/off specific LEDs connected to the 8255A chip.
- Keyboard Interface: Interface a keypad or keyboard matrix to the system, enabling the user to input data, which can then be displayed via LEDs or processed further.
- Program Control: Learn how to handle keyboard scanning and debouncing, ensuring accurate key detection.
- Tools: 8255A chip, microcontroller development kits, keyboard, LED arrays, and software for configuring and programming the 8255A chip (e.g., Keil or MPLAB).
Comprehensive Labs
1. Interrupt-Based Traffic Light Control System
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Objective: The main objective here is to build a traffic light system controlled by interrupts. This lab focuses on real-time control, using interrupts to manage different traffic light states efficiently.
- Key Concepts:
- Interrupt Handling: Learn to implement interrupt service routines (ISRs) to manage traffic light transitions.
- Traffic Light Control: Control multiple LEDs representing the red, yellow, and green lights.
- Timer Interrupts: Use timer interrupts to switch between different traffic light states at predefined intervals.
- Lab Tasks:
- Design Traffic Light System: Use microcontrollers and LEDs to design a working traffic light system with multiple phases (e.g., red, yellow, green).
- Interrupt Service Routines (ISR): Develop ISRs to switch the lights based on time or external triggers (e.g., pedestrian request button).
- Synchronization: Ensure that the transitions between the lights occur smoothly, preventing unsafe intersections.
- Tools: Microcontroller, LED arrays (for traffic lights), timers, interrupt controllers, and development environments (e.g., Keil, MPLAB).
2. Serial Communication (Data Transmission/Reception)
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Objective: This lab introduces serial communication, which is essential for data exchange between microcontrollers or computers and external devices.
- Key Concepts:
- UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter): Understand the operation of the UART protocol for serial communication.
- Data Frames: Learn about the structure of data packets in serial communication (start bit, data bits, stop bits, parity).
- Communication Protocols: Implement protocols like RS232, RS485, or TTL-level communication for sending and receiving data.
- Lab Tasks:
- Implement UART Communication: Write assembly or C programs to send and receive data serially between two microcontrollers or a microcontroller and a computer.
- Error Detection: Learn how to implement parity checking, framing errors, and overrun errors in the communication process.
- Data Transfer: Use serial communication to transfer simple data like text, numbers, or control signals between devices.
- Tools: Microcontroller with built-in UART support (e.g., 8051, PIC, or AVR), serial interface modules (e.g., MAX232 for RS232), development environments (Keil, MPLAB, etc.).
Lab Safety and Troubleshooting
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Safety: When working with microcontrollers and interfacing devices, always ensure proper power handling and avoid short circuits. Understand the power ratings for components (e.g., voltage levels for microcontrollers).
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Troubleshooting: Common issues include incorrect wiring, faulty connections, and improper programming. Utilize debugging tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to monitor signals and troubleshoot communication or timing issues.
Conclusion
The labs in this course provide hands-on experience in microcomputer and interface technology, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications. You’ll work on building key systems like traffic light controllers and serial communication systems, gaining valuable skills for embedded systems and microcontroller programming.