Introduction
Microprocessor development systems are used in the teaching of computer engineering classes. As stand alone devices they have relatively high capital costs and complex modes of operation. Both these features tend to limit their use in introductory level classes. It is in these classes that students probably have most need of detailed assistance as they begin their studies of machine and assembly language operations. Implementation of a simulation, means that each student has easy access to their own development system. Enhancements in software can be added that aid the learning process. The use of a simulator allows students to undertake more complex, and real world related, exercises than would otherwise be the case.
To date a simulator has been developed for the Motorola 8-bit microprocessor and development system currently in use in the undergraduate laboratory. This is being extended to include the Motorola 68HC11 8-bit microcontroller in the MIT Handyboard environment. Investigations have shown that the teaching and learning process is enhanced by the added features: the ability to see register contents after each operation, the ability to single step through a program, the ability the to execute instructions considerably more slowly than with a real hardware system, the inclusion of integrated debugging and trace facilities, and the inclusion of an integrated editor assembler.
Software information
This program is fully functional. However the program sections that deal with communication and control of the ‘Bilby’ robots, (as utilised in the courses of this engineering school) have been disabled. In this way, the program is thus considered a ‘demo software’ only.
Note: Since the ‘Bilby’ robot hardware is specific to this school, it was deemed unnecessary to include this hardware control on the web release version.
Any comments can be addressed via e-mail to David Edwards