Embedded Systems Programming Instruction using a Virtual Testbed

Ohio State University Research Foundation -Do Not Use, Columbus OH

Investigators

Abstract

Computer Science (31) This project develops a virtual testbed that allows for providing hands-on experience to large numbers of students together with the course material for an introductory course on embedded systems programming. The key feature is to couple a PC with an embedded processor board and to simulate a variety of external electromechanical devices thereby alleviating the need to provide expensive, maintenance prone physical devices in large numbers. Requests of devices by user programs running on the embedded processor are transparently forwarded to the simulators on the PC. Using software instruments such as voltmeters and scopes, students experience hands-on programming while the institution experiences a low-cost low-maintenance laboratory. The course material being developed applies to an introductory course in embedded systems programming and consists of a sequence of modules, each of which is centered on a small programming project. All materials are web-based to allow for broad dissemination and possible distance learning.