Microprocessor Education in Industrial and Systems Engineering

The microprocessor represents one of the most important technological advances of the past decade. The engineer who understands the microprocessor and knows how to use it in industrial applications will be a leader in his firm. Many industries are installing microprocessors for automating plant production functions such as assembly, production control, inventory accounting, and quality control. Since most industrial and systems engineers will be working in environments where such systems are designed, sold, or installed, it is extremely important that they have a working knowledge of microprocessor oriented systems. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of an introductory course on applications of microprocessors offered by the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department at the University of Florida. Substantial effort was required to develop teaching materials and laboratory equipment to support the course. The authors hope that the information presented in this paper will aid other faculty and schools in developing their own courses in this area.