2/17/14

INTRODUCTION TO
MICROCONTROLLERS
AND ROBOTICS
EGG101 Introduc;on to
Engineering Science

Module Overview
A general overview of what robots are, and the
essen;al components embedded within
Relevant examples of microcontroller and robot
applica;ons to help the par;cipants understand
contexts and applica;ons of these technologies
Contextual understanding makes it easier to
relate programming eorts to basic science,
math, or engineering concepts

2/17/14

What is a Microcontroller?
A microcontroller is a kind of miniature computer
that found in all kinds of gizmos

Generally speaking, if a device has buPons and a

digital display, chances are it also has a
programmable microcontroller brain.

Microcontrollers cont.
Microcontrollers are 'single chip'
computers specically designed to:
Read input devices, such as buPons and sensors
Process data or informa;on
Control output devices, such as lights, displays,
motors and speakers

2/17/14

Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller

A microprocessor is the brain of a computer
system
Generally referred to as the central processing
unit (CPU), the microprocessor by itself is
prac;cally useless
To be useful, one must have means of
communica;ng with it using input and output
devices
One must also add memory (ROM and RAM) so
that the system can be programmed.

Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller Cont.

A microcontroller is a computer chip designed for control-
oriented applica;ons
Unlike ordinary microprocessors, microcontrollers have
built-in features that make them operate almost
independent of addi;onal circuitry
This is possible because microcontrollers contain things
like:
memory (ROM, EPROM, RAM, etc)
input and output ports
;mers
serial and parallel communica;on capability
analog-to-digital converters

2/17/14

Boe-Bots Brain: The BASIC Stamp

The BASIC Stamp 2 embeds a microcontroller,
the PIC16C57, on a module to make
programming and use very simple, yet very
powerful.

PIC

Addi;onal components on the module provide

everything needed to systems and applica;ons,
like robo;cs.

BASIC Stamp Module Components

Serial Communication
Signal Conditioning
Conditions voltage
signals between PC serial
connection (+/- 12V) and
BASIC Stamp (5V) for
Programming.

EEPROM
Stores the your
PBASIC program.

5V Regulator
Regulates voltage
to 5V with a supply of
5.5VDC to 15VDC

Crystal
Sets the speed at which
instructions are processed.

Microcontroller
Reads the BASIC
program from the
EEPROM and executes
the instructions.

2/17/14

So What is a Robot?
A robot is a machine that gathers informa;on
about its environment (senses) and uses that
informa;on (thinks) to follow instruc;ons to do
work (acts)
The sensing part provides input to the robot
through switches, light sensors, etc
The thinking part is the microcontroller brain
The ac;ng part could be through lights, motors,
actuators, sounds, etc

Robots and Applica;ons

Robots come in many shapes and sizes

2/17/14

High-Tech and Aerospace use

Ecological
Data Collection
EME Systems

Undersea Research
Harbor Branch
Institute

JP Aerospace
Test Launch

Fundamentals of Electricity
Voltage (V), measured in volts (V)
Electric Current (I), measured in amperes (A)
Resistance (R), measured in Ohms ()
A complete path or circuit is required for current to flow
R

2/17/14

Fundamentals of Electricity Cont.

Robotics requires a basic understanding of electricity
and simple wiring diagrams
The relationship between current, voltage and resistance
is expressed by what is known as Ohms Law, variations
of which are expressed below:
V = IR; I = V/R; R = V/I
R

+V

I
+

Where Were Heading

Simple programming to cause Boe-Bot to
perform basic tasks
Adding input and output circuits
Making sounds
Measuring and calcula;ng
Distances
Angles
Speed
Rota;on

2/17/14

Simple to Complex
Timing and signal measurements

Working with equations

PulseWidth(ms)

1,000 = Variable

Observe, measure, conrm

2/17/14

Process Control Module for Advanced

Concepts
Sensing and measurements
Signal Condi;oning
Data logging
Graphical analyses
Feedback con;nuous control

Resources
Parallax Educa;onal Resources
http://www.parallax.com/html_pages/edu/index.asp