Module Details

Module Code: ELTR6016
Title: Microprocessor Systems
Long Title: Microprocessor Systems Fundamentals
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5230 - Electronic Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the learner to the basic building blocks of modern microprocessor systems with the focus on these as controlling devices incorporated (embedded) into various electronic systems using both low-level and high-level languages.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 draw a block diagram of a typical microcomputer, identify each block and bus and explain the function and operation of the overall system
LO2 draw a block diagram of a microprocessor, identify each block and register set and explain their operation in terms of fetch-execute cycles for typical machine instructions
LO3 list the main microprocessor instruction types and addressing modes, and use these in the writing of both low and high level language program segments and routines
LO4 perform calculations on signed and unsigned numbers in binary and hexadecimal formats and become proficient in the use of mpu status flags to process such numbers
LO5 work alone and in teams to analyse and test various microcomputer hardware circuits/modules and to write, test, debug and document simple programming language routines
LO6 communicate laboratory outcomes using a short laboratory report to a professional engineering standard
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
13975 ELTR6005 Digital Systems Fundamentals
14012 ELTR6006 Digital Systems: Logic Apps
14016 ELTR6016 Microprocessor Systems
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Basic microcomputer architecture
Principal component parts of a computer, CPU, memory, RAM, ROM, I/O unit, peripherals. Harvard and Von Neumann architectures. Data, address and control busses. Implications of data and address bus size. Programs, machine code and its relation to high-level languages. Fetch-execute cycles. Microprograms.
The microprocessor unit
Microprocessor block diagram - control unit, ALU, general-purpose and special-purpose registers, bus drivers. Data structures, arrangement of data in registers, memory addressing capabilities. Structure of 16-bit memory - storage of bytes, words and longwords, big-endian and little-endian storage. The machine cycle - fetch and execute cycles for specific machine instructions
MPU Programming
Instruction types - data transfer, arithmetic, logic, transfer of control. Addressing modes, register, memory direct, immediate, memory indirect modes. The status register and its uses. Jumps and branches, control of loops. The flowchart. Resident and cross assemblers. Comprehensive programming examples using assembly and C.
Number systems
Review of signed and unsigned binary number systems, sign extension, range of possible values, BCD system, hexadecimal notation, use of status flags in number processing
Laboratory assignments
Identification and evaluation of microcomputer hardware devices/modules of a general purpose PC and of a microcontroller-based system. Flowcharting, writing, assembling,compiling and testing, debugging and documenting language routines, familiarisation with resident and cross assemblers, and compilers.
Report Writing
Proper use of introduction, procedure, and evidence based analysis of laboratory work.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
An open-book laboratory-based exam on topics covered to date and also involving the writing, testing and documenting of simple microprocessor/microcontroller routines.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 5,6
Assessment Description
Lab-based assignments on hardware and software
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures on theory Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practicals based on various hardware and software assignments Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes and recommended material and preparation of reports for selected laboratory sessions. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures on theory Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lab Contact Practicals based on various hardware and software assignments Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes and recommended material and preparation of reports for selected laboratory sessions Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Lucio Di Jasio,. (2011), Programming 16-Bit PIC Microcontrollers in C, 2nd edition. Newnes, USA, p.416, [ISBN: 978-185617870].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Robert B. Reese, J. W. Bruce, Bryan A. Jones,. (2014), Microcontrollers: From Assembly Language to C Using the PIC24 Family, second edition. Cengage Learning PTR, USA, p.838, [ISBN: 978130507655].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EELES_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering 3 Mandatory
CR_EELXE_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering 3 Mandatory