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Microprocessor Technology

Basic Industrial Computer Systems

Course #: Block B10
Duration: 35 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Troubleshooting Electronic Equipment and Systems (Block B06); Logic Circuits (Block B08); Introduction to Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry (Block X02);
What Students Learn: This block describes the types of computers used in industry and explains the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Examples of applications for each type are provided. Some typical installations are explained. Special considerations in computer selection are covered. Technical discussions include computer fundamentals, digital and analog systems, and interfacing. Principles of troubleshooting logic circuits and ICs and IC equipment are covered.
Components: Industrial Computer Fundamentals (B1001); Digital and Analog Systems (B1002); Software and Programming (B1003); Computer-Aided Control Systems (B1004); Interfacing Principles (B1005); Progress Examination Booklet (B1020); Progress Examination (B1021); Progress Examination (B1022);

Industrial Computer Fundamentals

Course #: B1001
Duration: 7 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Troubleshooting Electronic Equipment and Systems (Block B06); Logic Circuits (Block B08); Introduction to Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry (Block X02);
What Students Learn:

  • Give an overview of industrial computer uses including a history of computing in industry, analog computer development, digital logic in computer development, advent of bit-slice "microprocessors," monolithic microprocessors and LSI, and the microprocessor as the heart of the industrial computer.
  • Describe industrial computers: What goes on inside an industrial computer, what goes on outside an industrial computer, microcomputer on a single chip, readout displays for industrial computers, industrial computers without displays, how micro- and mini-computers suit industrial applications, and where mainframe computers fit into industrial operations.
  • Give examples of computers at work in industry including computer-aided design, computer-guided machinery, computer-directed research and analysis, controlling industrial and chemical processes, failure analysis and maintenance, programmable controllers for materials handling, nondestructive testing, measurements, inventory and supply logistics, and project control, reporting, and modeling.
  • List the software required for industrial computers and tell what is needed (for systems in the above examples), who supplies it, and requirements for writing software; explain the function of programmers, systems analysts and technicians; describe methods for developing and debugging software.
  • Explain the future of computers in industry.

    • Digital and Analog Systems

    Course #: B1002
    Duration: 7 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Troubleshooting Electronic Equipment and Systems (Block B06); Logic Circuits (Block B08); Introduction to Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry (Block X02);
    What Students Learn:

  • Give a detailed overview of analog computer development: Describe what analog computing is - underlying principles, examples of present-day analog computers, mechanical vs. electrical analogs and how analog computers fit into industry.
  • Give a detailed overview of digital computer development: Describe what digital computing is - underlying principles, why digital computing has largely replaced early analog computers.
  • Describe the principles of control as used in industry including sensing control variables, switching control, proportional control and its variants, three-mode control, loop concepts of controlling processes, and open and closed loops.
  • Tell how analog control systems operate including measurement techniques, processing analog signals and applying analog control.
  • Tell how digital control systems operate including the nature of digital signals, converting analog measurements to digital signals, processing digital signals, applying digital control and converting digital back to analog.

    • Software and Programming

    Course #: B1003
    Duration: 7 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Troubleshooting Electronic Equipment and Systems (Block B06); Logic Circuits (Block B08); Introduction to Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry (Block X02);
    What Students Learn:

  • Discuss software for industrial systems: Define software, what systems need software, and give industrial software examples.
  • Describe the types of industrial software: What is available, where does it originate, how to prepare your own software, ladder diagrams, BASIC-language programs, Boolean algebra for logic systems, and assembly language programs.
  • Identify the symbology for controller programs including: The symbols used to portray ladder logic, BASIC-(beginners all purpose symbolic instruction code), how to apply Boolean algebra principles, and how to use assembly language.
  • Write simple programs, using ladder logic, in BASIC, using Boolean algebra in assembly language.

    • Computer-Aided Control Systems

    Course #: B1004
    Duration: 7 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Troubleshooting Electronic Equipment and Systems (Block B06); Logic Circuits (Block B08); Introduction to Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry (Block X02);
    What Students Learn:

  • Describe computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing: including what they are, who uses CAD and CAM and for what, and required hardware and software.
  • Give a brief history of CAD and CAM.
  • Explore the benefits of CAD and CAM: How they increase productivity, decrease costs, improve product quality, reduce project turnaround time and benefit personnel.
  • Explain how to select and install CAD and CAM systems in industry: Identify applications for CAD and for CAM in circuit board design, integrated circuit design, hardwired circuit design, generating Numerical Control data, plant design and other possibilities.
  • List sources of CAD and CAM information.

    • Interfacing Principles

    Course #: B1005
    Duration: 7 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Troubleshooting Electronic Equipment and Systems (Block B06); Logic Circuits (Block B08); Introduction to Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry (Block X02);
    What Students Learn:

  • Explain the concept of interfacing and tell why interfacing hardware is needed: Describe serial interfacing, parallel interfacing and input-output categories.
  • Understand analog to digital interfacing; explain when you need A to D, A to D methods, and applying A to D principles; describe sample and hold methods; explain why you need signal conditioning.
  • Identify applications (closing the loop); making measurements, controlling machines, and controlling processes.
  • Explain multiplexing and time sharing; tell why and when to multiplex, how to multiplex digital data and how to multiplex analog data.
  • Explain communications standards: Review synchronous and asynchronous data; serial RS232C, RS442, RS423; parallel S100, 6800, IEEE488, IEEE583; review ASCII; long distance communications techniques; process control loop standards; sources for communications standards.

    • Introduction to Microprocessors

    Course #: Block B11
    Duration: 28 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn: This block provides an introduction to the fundamentals and uses of computers in business and industry. The trainee learns the basics of microprocessors, what they are comprised of, and how they are used in industry. Logic arithmetic, logic gates, and memory devices are described. This block describes the architecture or makeup of a microprocessor, how instruction or data enter a microprocessor, how such information is handled inside the microprocessor, and how it exists.
    Components: Introduction to Computers (B1101); Introduction to Microprocessor Applications (B1102); Microprocessor Basics, Part 1: Underlying Principles and Concepts (B1103); Microprocessor Basics, Part 2: Overview of What's in a Microprocessor (B1104); Progress Examination Booklet (B1120); Progress Examination (B1121);

    Introduction to Computers

    Course #: B1101
    Duration: 7 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Give an overview of how computers are used in industry and business.
  • List the main types of computers.
  • Name the important activities performed by people who work with computers.
  • Explain how computers are selected and what must be considered before they are selected and installed.

    • Introduction to Microprocessor Applications

    Course #: B1102
    Duration: 7 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Explain what microprocessors are and the kinds of work they do.
  • Tell what makes it possible for them to accomplish so much.
  • List some of the recent applications microprocessors are found in.

    • Microprocessor Basics, Part 1: Underlying Principles and Concepts

    Course #: B1103
    Duration: 7 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Explain the importance of binary arithmetic in microprocessor work.
  • Sketch the common logic circuits.
  • Identify the output conditions for the different possible input conditions for logic gates.

    • Microprocessor Basics, Part 2: Overview of What's in a Microprocessor

    Course #: B1104
    Duration: 7 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Draw a block diagram of a basic microprocessor unit (MPU).
  • Tell what bytes and bits are and how they enter and exit an MPU.
  • Explain how the MPU identifies, sorts, and holds bytes.
  • List some of the activities of the ALU work center.

    • Basic Microprocessor

    Course #: VS33XX
    Duration: 4.63 hours
    What Students Learn: This series is designed for advanced electronics workers who have a thorough knowledge of electronics. It does not assume any previous knowledge of microprocessors. The series covers number systems and binary arithmetic, basic microprocessor architecture and operation, simple programming and interface techniques. Each course also contains a real world problem that involves higher level thinking skills. This series is intended to be used as an enhancement to your industrial electronics preparation program.
    Components: Number Systems and Codes (VS3301); Microcomputer Basics (VS3302); Computer Math (VS3303); Introduction to Programming: Branching (VS3304); Introduction to Programming: Algorithms (VS3305); 6800 Microprocessor (VS3306); 6800 MPU Stack Operation / Subroutines (VS3307); 6800 MPU I/O Operations / Interrupts (VS3308); Interfacing Basics (VS3309); Interfacing RAMS / Displays (VS3310); Interfacing Switches (VS3311); Interfacing Peripheral Adapters (VS3312);

    Microprocessor Applications

    Course #: Block B12
    Duration: 96 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Introduction to Microprocessors (Block B11); Basic Electronic Circuits (Block B24); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn: This block of instruction provides the trainee with hands-on experience with an actual microprocessor. The circuits powering the microprocessor are described and the voltages that should be measured are given for comparison. Close-up exposure to clock signals, monitor routines and handlers, ROM and RAM, and registers are obtained. Introductory knowledge of how data and information are put into and read out of, a microprocessor is provided. The principles of microprocessors is covered with numerous experiments on storing and reading programs in hexadecimal, running a program, examining RAM and ROM, writing into RAM, jumping and branching, vectoring, initializing, interrupt priorities, changing and canceling break-points, flow-charting, indexed addressing, offset functions, multiplication and division, precision adding and subtracting, and HOLD subroutine. Further discussions cover interfacing a microprocessor through serial and parallel ports, the common peripheral and accessory equipment, and interfacing with peripheral devices.

    The two lessons on troubleshooting discuss both software and hardware troubleshooting. Also discussed are how to design your own diagnostic program and debugging. The use of test instruments for troubleshooting is covered, including use of the oscilloscope, logic probe, logic analyzer, signature analyzer, and digital pulser probe. The trainee is instructed on how to check out ground integrity. The trainee learns about care against static charge, especially when working around out-of-circuit MOS devices.

    The final lesson covers other families of microprocessors including Motorola, Intel, and Texas Instruments. Emphasis throughout is on applying the principles while using the XK-300 Microprocessor Trainer.
    Components: Working with an Uncomplicated Microprocessor, The MC6802, Part 1 (B1201); Microprocessor Programming Principles, Part 1 (B1202); Working with an Uncomplicated Microprocessor, The MC6802, Part 2 (B1203); Microprocessor Programming Principles, Part 2 (B1204); Interfacing through Serial and Parallel Ports (B1205); Troubleshooting Microprocessor Equipment, Part 1 (B1206); Troubleshooting Microprocessor Equipment, Part 2 (B1207); Other Families of Microprocessors (B1208); Progress Examination Booklet (B1220); Progress Examination (B1221); Progress Examination (B1222);
    Special Notes: The hands-on applications and exercises that accompany Block B12 require the Microprocessor Trainer (XK-300).

    Working with an Uncomplicated Microprocessor, The MC6802, Part 1

    Course #: B1201
    Duration: 12 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Introduction to Microprocessors (Block B11); Basic Electronic Circuits (Block B24); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Power up the XK-300 Microprocessor Trainer.
  • Measure AC, DC, and ripple voltage in an MPU power supply.
  • Trace and test Vcc and Vss and other connections.
  • Bring data from direct or extended addresses memory.
  • Set a CCR flag to force a program branch.
  • Decode an address and use the memory-mapping concept of in/out control.
  • Address either on-chip or external RAM.

    • Microprocessor Programming Principles, Part 1

    Course #: B1202
    Duration: 12 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Introduction to Microprocessors (Block B11); Basic Electronic Circuits (Block B24); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Convert numbers between hexadecimal, octal, and binary forms.
  • Follow and write simple programs in hexadecimal.
  • Store a program and run a program using the microprocessor trainer.
  • Prepare and run a program which subtracts hexadecimal numbers.
  • Use two's complement to find the decimal value of a negative-signed binary number.

    • Working with an Uncomplicated Microprocessor, The MC6802, Part 2

    Course #: B1203
    Duration: 12 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Introduction to Microprocessors (Block B11); Basic Electronic Circuits (Block B24); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Find the entry vectors for four major types of interrupts.
  • Arrange either a one-bit or a whole-byte prompts.
  • Locate output addresses in a memory-mapped MPU system.
  • Explain how an MPU receives binary input data from a hexadecimal keypad.
  • Display contents of memory chips in D5 RAM and ROM, and mapping the memory.
  • Use single-step execution for software debugging.

    • Microprocessor Programming Principles, Part 2

    Course #: B1204
    Duration: 12 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Introduction to Microprocessors (Block B11); Basic Electronic Circuits (Block B24); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Flow chart and streamline programs.
  • Use mnemonics, document program plans with comments.
  • Differentiate between effective address and object code.
  • Program the MPU to do advanced arithmetic.
  • Build a reference book of routines and subroutines.
  • Control program execution by judicious use of jumps and branches.

    • Interfacing through Serial and Parallel Ports

    Course #: B1205
    Duration: 12 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Introduction to Microprocessors (Block B11); Basic Electronic Circuits (Block B24); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Explain the difference between serial and parallel data transfer.
  • Memory-map a peripheral interface adapter.
  • Configure PIA ports for input or output or both.
  • Use interrupts to bring an outside task to the attention of the MPU.
  • Describe the concept of parity.
  • Explain synchronous and asynchronous events.
  • Input and output data in the pulse mode and the handshake modes.
  • Discuss how data is recorded on magnetic tape through a cassette.
  • Manage the protocol between MPU, line printer, and video terminal.

    • Troubleshooting Microprocessor Equipment, Part 1

    Course #: B1206
    Duration: 12 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Introduction to Microprocessors (Block B11); Basic Electronic Circuits (Block B24); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Arrange trial runs to judge performance and locate faults.
  • List four main steps in tracing a specific breakdown.
  • Use key test points to check software and eliminate bugs.
  • Design diagnostic routines that exercise various portions of a system.
  • Assess system operation by using breakpoints.
  • Discuss uses of assemblers, compilers, and interpreters.

    • Troubleshooting Microprocessor Equipment, Part 2

    Course #: B1207
    Duration: 12 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Introduction to Microprocessors (Block B11); Basic Electronic Circuits (Block B24); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Use test instruments for troubleshooting, including triggered and storage oscilloscope, digital multimeter, logic probe, logic analyzer, signature analyzer, and digital pulser.
  • Check out a microprocessor against system specs.
  • Tell about necessary precautions around an MPU.
  • Check out buses and control fines and clock.
  • Check out RAM and ROM keyboards, video terminals, printers, disk drives, and cassette machines.

    • Other Families of Microprocessors

    Course #: B1208
    Duration: 12 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Introduction to Microprocessors (Block B11); Basic Electronic Circuits (Block B24); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Describe other popular MPUs and their special features.
  • Tell of unusual instructions and addressing modes.
  • Order and use spec sheets for MPUs and devices.

    • Advanced Microprocessor

    Course #: VS34XX
    Duration: 6.65 hours
    What Students Learn: This series is designed for advanced electronics workers who have a background in semiconductors. It assumes previous knowledge of digital electronics and basic computer math. It is recommended that the learners view the Basic Microprocessor series first. The emphasis is to teach the fundamentals required to understand the operation of the MC6800 microprocessor unit and apply this knowledge. This series is intended to be used as an enhancement to your industrial electronics preparation program.
    Components: Introduction to 68000 Microprocessor Concepts (VS3401); Programming Model (VS3402); Hardware Overview (VS3403); Addressing Modes (VS3404); Basic Instructions (VS3405); Program Problems (VS3406); System Control Pins (VS3407); Exception Concepts (VS3408); External Exceptions (VS3409); Internal Exceptions (VS3410); Intermediate Instructions (VS3411); Example Programs (VS3412); DMA Control and Synchronous Bus Control Pins (VS3413); Advanced Addressing Modes (VS3414); Advanced Instructions (VS3415); Advanced Example Programs (VS3416); Review (VS3417); MC68000 Educational Computer Board Lab (VS3418);

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