The faculty members of the Electronics Engineering (ECE) program of the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT) hosted the Microcontroller Fundamentals Training-Workshop for the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IECEP) Caraga Chapter held on August 19, 2009 at the Computer Laboratory 1 of the New Science Building (NSB) in NORMISIST. Engr. Alexander T. Demetillo, OIC Dean of CEIT and at the same time the Governor of IECEP Caraga, led all organizers and participants in the training. Engr. Jerry B. Halibas, also a faculty member of CEIT, was the resource speaker of the workshop. He engaged the participants and introduced them to new dimensions of computing and robotics, particularly on the following topics:
1. Introduction to Embedded System
2. ANSI C programming review
3. Z8 encore XP Architecture
4. GPIO
5. Playing with sequencer board (using Z8F042ASJ020SG chip), and
6. MoBot Application using UPRC and Running Message Application
Some of the particular applications developed through microcontrollers are TV remote controls, microwave ovens, automobile electronic systems, lighting controls, exercise machines, TVs, and small to life-size robots among others.
The training-workshop conducted opened the doors for collaboration among the faculty members and professionals from the different colleges and universities in the Caraga Region led by NORMISIST. Professionals from the field of Electronics Engineering (ECE), Computer Engineering (Comp. Eng’g.), Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT) in particular are prime-movers of the different technologies mentioned above. They made our once complicated life to hassle-free machines brought about by technological innovation and advancements.
Among those who participated in the workshop were faculty members from the following schools: STI Butuan City, STI Surigao City, Northeastern Mindanao Colleges (NEMCO), Surigao City, Saint Paul University Surigao (SPUS), Surigao City, Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT), Surigao City, SSCT – Del Carmen Campus, Saint Michael’s College of Caraga (SMCC), Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, NORMISIST Cabadbaran Campus, and Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) in Butuan City. Also present were Electronics Engineering professionals from the BSWC Power Barge based in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.
The success of the microcontroller workshop was credited to the huge support extended by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Caraga Region through Dr. Virginia D. Akiate, the OIC Director and Engr. Ramil Sanchez, the Supervisor Specialist. CHED facilitated the invitation by calling all professionals in the academe to join the workshop.
The objectives of the training-workshop were the following:
1. To promote awareness of a low-cost solution Embedded system.
2. To promote Microcontroller Design Application in the fields of ROBOTICS and IT.
3. To be able design and construct a simple MoBot (Mobile Robot).
4. To be able to design and construct a simple Running Message electronic board.
With the success of the training conducted, an advanced training was scheduled to further enhance the participants’ knowledge on the subjects mentioned above. A resource speaker from Think Lab of Manila is being tapped to facilitate the training scheduled on September 16, 2009. The venue will be in SPUS in Surigao City.
The suggested topics for the advanced training are the following:
1. Serial communications routines
2. Analog-to-digital conversion
3. Multi-purpose timer programming
4. Controlling the LCD Module
5. Controlling the GSM Module and data acquisition stored on MMC (Z8F042ASJ020SG platform).
The organizers are looking forward for the support of Mr. Lyndon G. Villacorta, the Regional Director for Caraga Region of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), to collaborate for the implementation of the advanced training.
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If you may have comments, questions or suggestions relating to this article, please send an email to the writer through his email address at jtdellosa@normisist.edu.ph
