Web Based I/O Simulator for Education in Machine-Oriented Programming

Abstract

The Machine-Oriented Programming course at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg introduces students to low-level programming through microcontroller-based laboratory exercises. During the course, physical access to hardware is limited to scheduled lab sessions, which restricts opportunities for practice. To address this issue, a simulator is used to simulate the microcontroller unit (MCU) and the connectable Input/Output (I/O) units that are used in the course. This bachelor’s thesis presents the development of a web-based simulator for the I/O units that interfaces with the existing MCU simulator via WebSockets. This I/O simulator is developed separate from the MCU logic, with the goal of making it platform-independent as well as more usable, maintainable and accessible. It supports various I/O units such as switches, bargraphs, 7-segment displays and keypads. The application was evaluated through user testing with students who have previously taken the course. The overall reception was positive in terms of usability, visual design, and its potential as an educational tool for understanding and experimenting with machine-oriented programming.