Introduction of Microcomputers to a Small Electrical Engineering Department, with Heavy Emphasis on Lab Work Using Turn-Key Microcomputers

The Electrical Engineering Department at the Virginia Military Institute (V.M.I.) has recently altered two existing courses (one required and one elective) to include major emphasis on microcomputers. After basic topics are covered the first (one-semester) course introduces the student to microcomputer architecture including machine language programming. The associated lab includes use of inexpensive turn-key microcomputers after initial work with IC chips. The second course provides a closer look at microcomputer applications, with lecture and/or lab work covering assembly language, interfacing, and the use of Basic and assembly language to monitor and control "real-world" variables and devices using A/D and D/A converters.