Design Design Circuit diagrams were created by researching effective circuits from various sources. Multisim virtual circuit modeling software was used to simulate the circuits constructed. Each new circuit constructed incorporated a new component that required specific wiring and further knowledge of integrated circuits. One of these components was an ATMEGA32 microcontroller, shown on the left, which was programmed with a program called Flowcode, shown to the right. Flowcode is set up in flowchart style, which allows those with little experience greater opportunity to develop embedded systems. As the group practiced writing code, they became more adept with its use. This microcontroller was used as the “brain” for the final project. Montell Wright, Kaitlin Foran, Keely Thompson Wei (Richard) Pee, Kevin Rada, Dr. Baha Jassemnejad Department of Engineering and Physics, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK Abstract Abstract The robotics group of 2010 Summer Bridge program at the University of Central Oklahoma has developed a four week intensive training program in embedded system design for incoming engineering freshmen. Learning to use the Atmel microcontroller is an integral part of this program. The purpose of this program is to spark the interest of incoming freshmen and to encourage them to seek research experience in robotics. The training program includes laboratory exercises, class lectures, small electronics projects and a challenging final project. The students learn basic electrical science knowledge and embedded programming skills throughout the four week program. The labs and projects enable the students to gain hands-on technical experience and learn electronics theory concurrently. Near the end of the program, the group of students built a working embedded system for a comprehensive, final project. The working embedded system involved integrating hardware, firmware and software. Introduction Introduction The Summer Bridge program is designed for incoming freshmen with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) majors who desire a jump start into their field of study. The students must apply and be accepted into a research group that most interests them. The focus of this research group is on AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) research. The Summer Bridge program is a project-based laboratory for learning use of a microcontroller. The aim of the laboratory is to motivate students to learn the building blocks of microcontroller systems and their control by constructing an LED display implemented with a microcontroller. Students were taught foundational knowledge for the project, which included the basics about electronics and electrical science, as well as how to interpret flowcharts, and how to program the ATMEGA32 microcontroller. An embedded system is simply a combination of software and hardware designed for a specific task, the perfect introduction to UAV research. Involving Incoming Engineering Freshmen in Embedded Systems Design Research Training During the four week program, both lectures and hands-on experience were received daily. The complete schedule can be found to the right, detailing the specifics day by day. Training During the four week program, both lectures and hands-on experience were received daily. The program began with the construction of basic circuits, such as a power supply, shown on the right, and a switch board. Before progressing further, each new component was integrated into the embedded system. The complete schedule can be found to the right, detailing the specifics day by day. Conclusion Conclusion By learning the fundamentals of microcontroller implementation during the four- week program, the group will now be able to begin researching the electrical system for the UAV robot. It is hoped that this university’s research team will build a remote controlled robot that is able to perform various visual and acoustic tasks, and someday become the nation’s leader in underwater robot research and development. Results Results The team’s greatest challenge throughout the project was circuit troubleshooting. Frequently, the circuits created were not working as efficiently as desired. When this occurred, the circuit diagrams were reviewed to verify that the circuit was wired correctly. Multimeters were then used to determine the cause of the circuit malfunction. A majority of the problems were a result of incorrect wiring or an incorrect component. The aim, at the beginning of the program, was to build a foundation for AUV research through microcontroller implementation. This goal was successfully met by finishing a comprehensive project consisting of two signs, shown to the left, that were driven by a microcontroller, and lit by light emitting diodes (LED’s). The projects incorporated the components constructed previously, during the training phase of the program. Week 1 (7/5/ /8/2010) 1:00 PM PM 7/6/ Introduction to Electrical Science (Ohm's Law) 7/6/ Introduction to Electrical Science (Kirchhoff's Law) 7/7/ Introduction to Basic Electronic Circuit Components (Batteries, Switches, Relays, Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, Fuses) 7/8/ Introduction to Semiconductors (Diodes & Transistors) Week 2 (7/12/ /15/2010) 1.00PM PM 7/12/ Introduction to Optoelectronics (LED & IR LED & Photoresistors) 7/13/ Introduction to Integrated Circuits (Operational Amplifiers) 7/ 14/ Introduction to Digital Electronics 7/15/ Introduction to the Microcontroller Week 3 (7/19/ /22/2010) 1.00PM PM 7/19/ Introduction to Flowcode & Microcontroller 7/20/ Start Final Project Week 4 (7/26/ /29/2010) 1.00PM PM 7/27/ End Final Project 7/27/ Prepare report and presentation References 1)Chyi-Shyong, Lee, et al. "A Project- Based Laboratory for Learning Embedded System Design With Industry Support." IEEE Transactions on Education 53.2 (2010): Inspec. EBSCO. Web. 19 Oct )"embedded system." SearchEnterpriseLinux.com. Tech Target, 08 Jul Web. 19 Oct Acknowledgements Kooroush Azartash-Namin Dr. Ronald C. Miller Shams Shahadat The UCO Summer Bridge Program