Integrating theory and practice in a microprocessor systems design course

A large amount of knowledge has to be absorbed by students following courses in microprocessor systems design. Making the students experience every subject by themselves activates the learning process and enables them to cope with new concepts. A semester course on microprocessor system design and interfacing integrates lecture and laboratory work. Topics are advanced logic design, dynamic RAM control, character generation on raster-scan monitors, keyboard control, microprocessor system design, and interrupts. This paper presents a teaching methodology and specific teaching aids based on digital logic blocks incorporating microprocessor system components for making the students experiment the different subjects in a limited amount of time. Dynamic RAM control and microprocessor system building are examples of laboratory sessions where students acquire basic experience and gain confidence for future microprocessor system design