Constructing µ-Controller Teaching Tool with the Integration of Hardware and Software Technology

This paper constructs a set of 89S51 μ-controller teaching tool for students to learn the knowledge of μ-controller system designing and debugging techniques. The constructed teaching tool includes four parts: software simulating tool, flash downloading tool, basic I/O control board, and remote controlled vehicle system. The software simulating tool is used to compile, link, and debug programming codes. The flash downloading tool is used to download the codes into 89S51 μ-controller chip. The basic I/O control board is used to run fundamental I/O control experiments. The remote controlled vehicle system is used to clarify the system design methodology using 89S51 μ-controller. Some investigations and evaluations have been done when the students finished the course. Conclusively, the results indicate that applying the constructed teaching tool in the μ-controller course has had very favorable feedbacks from the students. The proposed tool can attract more students interesting in designing μ-controller-based systems and influence them in preparation for their senior laboratory project.