A microprocessor trainer simulator

Historically, a two semester sequence of courses in microprocessor software and interfacing was taught using a processor such as the Motorola 6800. However, advances in the field have necessitated teaching more advanced microprocessors (such as the Intel 80/spl times/85 family) in the software course. For several reasons the interfacing course is still taught using the Motorola 6800. Reasons include legacy laboratory hardware, tractability of the 8 bit hardware bus, and the popularity of the 6800 family derivatives as embedded controllers. Students are now required to master the 6800 architecture and assembly language in a short time at the beginning of this course. To ease this learning process, the author has developed a software simulation of the popular Heathkit Model ET-3400A microprocessor trainer. All hardware experiments are carried out on the physical trainers, but students can do software development at home without physically possessing a trainer. Anecdotal evidence to date suggests that the simulator is of significant benefit to the students in quickly mastering the 6800 architecture.