OPTI 680

Microcomputer Interfacing in the Optics Laboratory (3 units). Fundamentals of digital electronics, computer and microcontroller operation and computer interfaces to laboratory equipment. Laboratory exercises teach the use of C, assembly language, and digital communication protocols to control interfaces with digital I/O devices, motors, A/D and D/A converters and other instrumentation.

Course Objectives:
To provide a basic understanding of digital logic and computer hardware; common computer interfaces and computer interfacing techniques; C, Windows, and assembly language programming.

Course Outline:

  1. Digital logic and circuits
  2. Storage of data and programs in memory
  3. Assembly language
  4. Computer and microcontroller operation
  5. C programming
  6. Digital I/O
  7. D/A converters and waveform generation
  8. A/D converters and data-acquisition systems
  9. Stepper motors and motor control
  10. Serial and parallel data communications
  11. USB  and other communications protocols
  12. Computer networking

Course Requirements:

  • Laboratory: Complete the set of eight to 10 laboratory exercises and hand in answers to lab questions.
  • Complete a final project and project report.

Grading Policy:

  • 80% laboratory exercise grades
  • 20% course project

Textbooks:

  • Kernighan, B.W. and Ritchie, D.M (1988). The C Programming Language (2nd ed.). Prentice-Hall
  • Class notes