Physics 3330: Electronics for the Physical Sciences
Professor John Price
Microcontrollers are little programmable computers that can provide the brains for just about anything. The keyboard and mouse you used to get to this web page each have a microcontroller inside. There are dozens of them in every automobile. All those little keypads on washing machines, dishwashers, and electronic bidets use microcontrollers. And when Ed and Bob wanted to build a really big model rocket, they used a microcontroller to make sure the parachute would deploy at the right moment. Here's a launch video, and check this link to learn more about model rocket electronics. Or how about something quieter, like a MIDI controlled xylophone?
In the last two experiments we will introduce digital electronics, including microcontrollers.
The Midterm Exam will be on Tuesday, March. 18, 1:00-1:50 pm, in G1B25 (the usual lecture time and place). Click on the Midterm Exam link at left for more information. The Midterm covers prelabs 1-8, and related material from the labs and lectures. We will not have any digital material on the Midterm.
Project proposals are due on the same day. Click on the link "Past Projects" for some ideas, and talk to me now about your plans. Your project proposal should include a brief description of your plans, a schematic diagram, and a parts list. Also think about your oral presentation now and plan to demonstrate your project if possible. Try to break your project up into small steps so that you will have intermediate results. It is great to make everything work, but it is just as important to understand clearly why things work.
We can reimburse up to $30 in parts costs for each student. You will need receipts to get your money. The easiest way to to buy parts is to visit one of the big distributors like Digikey or Mouser. All parts purchased using course funds must stay in the lab after the class is over, so use your own funds if you want to keep the project.
Home page from week 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8.
I welcome your comments on the class and this website. Send them to John Price