A graphical simulation tool for teaching microprocessors architecture and assembly language

Summary form only given as follows. Advances in computing resources and multimedia tools have facilitated the development of innovative educational software in every field. Specifically, the use of simulators for teaching courses on microprocessors, as a complement of lectures and laboratory sessions is extremely valuable. In this work we present a software simulation tool which illustrates microprocessors internal architecture, basic operation, and assembly language, with the idea of supporting the theoretical understanding of the material through hands on design and analysis experience, before passing through the laboratory work. The simulator displays the registers and buses of an 8085 microprocessor. Instruction can be executed in cycles or single step modes, with the register contents changing at each step. The address and data buses are easily visualized as the information changes in every step. The student has the option of selecting a peripheral device among a small set which include a D/A converter, a seven-segments display, and a decoder. A collection of suggested experiments using these peripheral devices is handed to the students in the course. This package is a Windows application written in Microsoft Visual Basic. The graphical interface provide a friendly learning environment which allow the students to start simulating small programs in short time. This simulator has been used in the bachelor program at junior level in Universidad de las Americas with excellent results. Concluding remarks regarding the results obtained with its use as a complement material, are presented.