Microprocessor projects in a physics laboratory

Abstract

Following a previously published description of the author's (1984) microprocessor laboratory and the elementary programming exercises used to teach students the basic ideas of microprocessor assembly language programming, this present article describes some more advanced programs, suitable for a project, which give students a deeper and more practical experience of the use of microprocessors. The projects are particularly relevant to students wishing to learn about the use of microprocessors interfaced to other scientific equipment. They involve interaction with various peripheral systems like DACS, ADCS, switches and indicators, as well as direct interaction with the registers in the peripherals themselves. Interrupt facilities in the microprocessor are widely used.