Module Details

Module Code: ELTR6017
Title: Microprocessor Systems I/O
Long Title: Microprocessor Systems I/O Interfacing
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5230 - Electronic Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module builds on Microprocessor Systems Fundamentals and deals with the main hardware sections of the memory unit, the input/output unit and peripherals found in microcomputers and microcontrollers. Emphasis is placed on the hardware and software interfacing of the system to various serial and parallel-operated peripherals.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 draw and describe the elements and structure of the main memory unit of a microcomputer
LO2 describe the details of parallel and serial input/output circuits and write software to interface with VDU, LEDs, switches, etc.
LO3 explain the concept of a stack, and describe how this is used to facilitate subroutine and interrupt processing
LO4 use datasheets, understand configuration bits, identify components, trace signal paths and derive memory-maps for various microprocessor-based systems from manufacturers’ circuit schematics
LO5 work alone and in teams to analyse and test various microcomputer hardware circuits/modules and to write, test, debug and document simple software 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).
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
Datasheets & Configuration Bits
Gain Familiarity with Manufacturer Datasheets. Importance of Configuration Bits. Example of use through configuration of oscillator settings.
Subroutines and the Stack
The concept of a first-in-last-out memory and its implementation in RAM. The stack pointer. The concept of a subroutine, its special requirements and how the stack is used to meet them. Passing parameters to and from subroutines, saving registers. Comprehensive programming examples
The Main Memory Unit
Basic memory technologies. Read-Only Memory - Mask ROM, PROM, UV-EPROM, EEPROM. Read/write memory - SRAM, DRAM. Flash memory. Array structure. The need for tri-state drivers. Common memory chips, bit and byte organised. Organisation of main memory unit - width/length expansion. Memory map - full and partial decoding. Synchronous and asynchronous bus systems - memory read/write cycles
The Input/Output Unit
Overview of different i/o techniques, memory-mapped/isolated. Serial/parallel transfers. Elementary i/o circuits. Programmable i/o circuits - parallel i/o, serial i/o - block diagrams and interfacing to mpu. Configuring for simple i/o transfer. Interface circuits and software for HMI.
Proprietary microcomputer systems
Overall block diagrams, study of manufacturers’ circuit schematics. Reference to other processors e.g. 68000, 8051, MSP, ARM, ATMEL
Laboratory assignments
Identification and evaluation of microcomputer hardware devices/modules from various microprocessor-based systems, and flowcharting, writing, assembling, testing, debugging and documenting various software routines.
Report Writing
Proper use of introduction, procedure, and evidence based analysis of laboratory work.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework60.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 5,6
Assessment Description
Lab-based assignments on hardware and software
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
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 Written Report % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Short ( c.1000 words) report on topics as they arise in class
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 40
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
  • Ronald Tocci Neal Widmer Greg Moss. (2017), Digital Systems, 12th Edition. Pearson, [ISBN: 9781292162003].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Lucio Di Jasio,. (2011), Programming 16-Bit PIC Microcontrollers in C, Second Edition, 2nd Edition. Newnes, USA, [ISBN: 9781856178709].
  • Robert B. Reese, J. W. Bruce, Bryan A. Jones,. (2014), Microcontrollers: From Assembly Language to C using the PIC24 Family, 2nd Edition. Cengage Learning PTR, USA, [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 4 Mandatory
CR_EELXE_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering 4 Mandatory