Course Number and Title:
ELC 255 Microcontroller Applications
Prerequisites
ELC 111 and ELC 242
Course Credits and Hours
4 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
3 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course explores microcontroller programming for engineering challenges, emphasizing structured program development for real-time control and communication with input/output devices. Focusing on problem-solving and hands-on experience, this course explores topics such as interfacing sensors, analog-to-digital conversion, and serial communication for data transfer.
Additional Materials
Required: Electronics parts kit
Recommended: TI-84+ or TI-89 calculator
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Develop well-designed programs to implement embedded systems. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Establish communication between the microcontroller and its associated peripheral devices. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Design and build analog output circuits to generate analog signals. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Interface analog sensors for data acquisition. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Implement serial communication protocols to enable data exchange between the microcontroller and external computing devices. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Implement serial communication protocols to enable data exchange between the microcontroller and its associated peripheral devices. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Develop well-designed programs to implement embedded systems.
- Create and execute programming tasks that employ conditional and unconditional branching, as well as looping structures.
- Apply modular programming techniques to ensure efficient code organization and reusability.
- Establish communication between the microcontroller and its associated peripheral devices.
- Describe the architecture of microcontrollers and digital signals.
- Configure GPIO pins for a range of applications.
- Explain input/output (I/O) and interrupt operations.
- Interface I/O devices to the microcontroller.
- Design and build analog output circuits to generate analog signals.
- Describe Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) concepts.
- Generate analog signals using PWM techniques.
- Control motor speed and LED brightness using PWM.
- Interface analog sensors for data acquisition.
- Describe Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC) principles.
- Interface analog sensors and interpret sensor data with microcontrollers.
- Implement and test data acquisition circuits with sensors.
- Implement serial communication protocols to enable data exchange between the microcontroller and external computing devices.
- Describe Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART) asynchronous serial communication protocol.
- Differentiate between asynchronous and synchronous communication.
- Configure UART for data exchange between the microcontroller and external computing devices such as PC.
- Implement serial communication protocols to enable data exchange between the microcontroller and its associated peripheral devices.
- Describe microcontroller interfacing protocols such as serial peripheral interface (SPI), inter-integrated circuit (I2C).
- Implement SPI and I2C to establish communication between microcontroller and external devices.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
2 Exams (equally weighted) | 30% |
Final Project | 20% |
Formative Assessments |
8 - 10 Laboratory Experiments (equally weighted) | 50% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Apply practical knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to electronics engineering technology problems.
- Conduct, analyze, and interpret experiments using analysis tools and troubleshooting methods.
- Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret electrical wiring, schematics and technical documentation.
- Utilize programming concepts to develop solutions for electronics engineering technology problems.
- Operate, integrate, and configure electronic components, ensuring proper functionality and adherence to safety and design specifications.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.