Overview

This page gives a brief overview of the software used in this class.

We have developed most of the software modules needed to run this course. All software will be free to download and install. There will be four different types of modules: 1) there will be an integrated development environment (IDE) for writing, compiling, downloading, and debugging code on the microcontroller; 2) there will be example code that we discuss during the lectures; 3) there will be starter files for each of the lab; and 4) there will be automatic grader software that tests your lab solutions to see if your solution meets specifications.

IDE

We will be using Keil uVision IDE and be writing software in C. These programs only run on Windows (XP, Vista, 7 or 8.) There will be a way install software on a Macintosh so Windows will run on the Macintosh. There are no solutions for Linux.

Example projects

There will be many example projects that run on the LM4F120/TM4C123 LaunchPad.

Lab starter projects

You will begin each lab using a starter project.

TExaS Lab Graders

We have written DLL extensions to the Keil uVision IDE that will evaluate your lab solutions. We have named this set of DLLs as Test EXecute and Simulate or TExaS. There is also an application called TExaSdisplay that provides interaction with your serial port software running on the LaunchPad. the current version of TExaSdisplay is like HyperTerminal or PuTTy but much simpler and adds grading for Labs 5 and 11. TExaSdisplay also provides a simple oscilloscope and simulation of the Nokia display used in Labs 12 through 15.

This is how we will grade a lab in simulation.

This is how we will grade a lab on the real board.