Hardware Oriented Microprocessor Simulator

Microprocessors and microcomputer architecture constitute core courses in computer science and engineering departments in higher education. On the other hand, this scientific area must be also demystified for other students in relevant fields where digital technology is involved. In current higher education curriculums, only software simulators are used, due to hardware tools complexity and maintenance/purchase cost. In this paper, a novel full-working and tested Hardware-Oriented Microprocessor Simulator (HOMS) educational kit for simulating microprocessors and microcomputers is presented. This tool is based on the Arduino platform and can be reproduced by academic teachers and students, creating custom educational scenarios based on course needs.