TY - JOUR
T1 - On the use of a soft-core processor in junior microprocessors course
AU - Planting, Arlen
AU - Loo, Sin Ming
PY - 2008
Y1 - 2008
N2 - Traditionally, microprocessor courses are taught using discrete microprocessors. With the availability of field-programmable gate array and associated soft-core processors, this traditional approach can be changed to provide added educational benefits. The junior level microprocessors course at Boise State University was recently updated using the Altera Nios II soft-core processor. The goal of this course is to teach the basics of microprocessors and peripheral interfacing techniques. Along with replacing the traditional discrete microprocessor with a soft-core processor, the course was modified with the addition of the C programming language. The course used assembly language to teach the features and capabilities of the Nios II processor (instructions, registers and memory) and quickly migrate to the C programming language using a task-oriented approach rather than an exhaustive coverage of the language. Both instructors and students gained valuable experience through this process.
AB - Traditionally, microprocessor courses are taught using discrete microprocessors. With the availability of field-programmable gate array and associated soft-core processors, this traditional approach can be changed to provide added educational benefits. The junior level microprocessors course at Boise State University was recently updated using the Altera Nios II soft-core processor. The goal of this course is to teach the basics of microprocessors and peripheral interfacing techniques. Along with replacing the traditional discrete microprocessor with a soft-core processor, the course was modified with the addition of the C programming language. The course used assembly language to teach the features and capabilities of the Nios II processor (instructions, registers and memory) and quickly migrate to the C programming language using a task-oriented approach rather than an exhaustive coverage of the language. Both instructors and students gained valuable experience through this process.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85029037942&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Conference article
AN - SCOPUS:85029037942
JO - ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings
JF - ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings
T2 - 2008 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition
Y2 - 22 June 2008 through 24 June 2008
ER -