Use of discrete and soft processors in introductory microprocessors and embedded systems curriculum

This paper describes a sequence of two courses, starting with the teaching of introductory microprocessor concepts and extending to advanced embedded system programming. The introductory microprocessor course is taught using a soft processor with a field-programmable gate array as the development platform, a combination which allows the course to undergo continual improvement without being limited by fixed hardware. The second course builds on the foundation of the first course, with an emphasis on working with advanced devices, building complete embedded systems, and developing embedded programming skills with different targets. This paper describes the experiences gained from the first course, and the detailed plan for the second course. This paper also describes which tools to include and which to leave out in the learning process for this process to be most effective from both the students' and instructor's perspective.