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Development of a Simplified Programming Kit Based 16LF18856 for Embedded Systems Testing and Education in Developing Countries

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Abstract

Embedded systems and applications have recently emerged as a domain of high interest to the general public in developing countries. Unfortunately, these countries lack the technological infrastructure for the design, testing, and implementation of projects in the domain. This paper presents a Very Simple Programming Kit (VSPK) for Embedded Systems suitable for practical training, project design, and testing in the domain for use in developing countries. The microcontroller-based system makes it easy to test, teach and train in various areas of embedded systems including programming, communication, signal acquisition and processing, remote control, and domotics. A VSPK prototype has been produced and is used for real-time simulation of Embedded applications. This operation involves the VSPK, the PIC programmer, the PC and the application program to be tested progressively and the displays observed on the LCD and LEDs. The debugging process is easily performed and errors are detected and corrected. The main features of VSPK are low production cost, low power consumption, flexible peripheral pin selection, integrated LCD module, and simple hardware and software environment. Unlike similar kits available for educational purposes, VSPK possesses some advantages such as an integrated graphic color LCD, a configurable internal oscillator, numerically controlled oscillators, testing LEDs, testing buttons, and complete access to multiple programming languages. Two experimental and simple tests for validation of VSPK have been carried out, and the results show that VSPK performs satisfactorily.

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Data Availability

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The printed circuit board (PCB) of the VSPK was realized with the collaboration of Wonderfull PCB (HK) Ltd (China).

Funding

The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Funds that aided in carrying the entire process were self-sought.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical and Power Engineering, Higher Technical Teacher Training College, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Bamenda, 39, North-West, Cameroon

    Jean de Dieu Nguimfack-Ndongmo & Derek Ajesam Asoh

  2. Département du Génie des Procédés, ENSET de Douala, Université de Douala, Ndogbong, Douala, 1872, Littoral, Cameroun

    Kevin Kentsa Zana

  3. Laboratoire de Génie Électrique, Mécatronique et Traitement du Signal, ENSPY, Université de Yaoundé I, Ngoa-Ekelle, Yaoundé, 337, Centre, Cameroun

    Derek Ajesam Asoh

  4. Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, NAHPI, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Bamenda, 39, North-West, Cameroon

    Derek Ajesam Asoh

  5. Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, College of Technology, University of Buea, Molyko, Buea, 63, South-West, Cameroon

    Nicole Adélaïde Kengnou Telem

  6. Unité de Recherche d’Automatique et d’Informatique Appliquée (UR-AIA), Département de Génie Électrique, IUT FOTSO Victor, Université de Dschang, Nkoung-Khi, Bandjoun, 134, Ouest, Cameroun

    Jean de Dieu Nguimfack-Ndongmo, René Kuate-Fochie & Godpromesse Kenné

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  1. Jean de Dieu Nguimfack-Ndongmo
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  2. Kevin Kentsa Zana
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Correspondence to Jean de Dieu Nguimfack-Ndongmo.

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Appendix A. C Language Code of Interrupt Service Routine System

Appendix A. C Language Code of Interrupt Service Routine System

figure a

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Nguimfack-Ndongmo, J.d.D., Kentsa Zana, K., Asoh, D.A. et al. Development of a Simplified Programming Kit Based 16LF18856 for Embedded Systems Testing and Education in Developing Countries. J Electron Test 38, 589–602 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10836-022-06037-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10836-022-06037-4

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