"Hands-On" Microprocessor Education at the University of Rhode Island

This paper documents the impact of microprocessor technology on electrical engineering education at the University of Rhode Island. Originally introduced as a method of giving computer experience to a larger number of students, it has become a key element in the undergraduate curriculum. "Microprocessor Laboratory" emphasizes hands-on experience by making computers available for "checkout" use at home. It is introduced as a required course at the sophomore level and the textbooks used are manufacturers' manuals. We employ a series of nine basic exercises and couple these to an end-of-semester project. The course is offered each semester and attracts students from other engineering disciplines and from other colleges within the University. It has been successfully adapted to a five-week summer session and a four-day short course for engineering faculty. The course forms the basis for introducing microprocessors into other, more advanced engineering courses.