Week 5 - Group Assignment Summary

Embedded Microcontroller Test Equipment Observation

Assignment Overview

This page summarizes the group assignment for Week 5, where we used test equipment in our lab to observe the operation of an embedded microcontroller. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into microcontroller behavior, signal analysis, and debugging techniques.

For complete detailed information, visit: Week 4 Group Assignment Section

Group Assignment: Test Equipment Observation

Use the test equipment in your lab to observe the operation of an embedded microcontroller.

Test Equipment Available

The following test equipment was utilized to observe and analyze microcontroller operation. Multimeter and oscilloscope provide 99% of the information needed for comprehensive analysis.

Multimeter

Essential for basic measurements - voltages (slow, twice a second), resistances, and current (in series)

Oscilloscope

High-speed analysis - voltages (fast, 5 million times a second) and digital signal decoding

Logic Analyzer

Digital signal analysis - both cheap and professional models available, can also be done on oscilloscope

Function Generator

Signal generation for testing receiving ends of boards - most scopes have built-in generators

Power Supply

Controlled power delivery for stable microcontroller operation

Breadboard

Circuit prototyping and testing platform

Test Equipment Procedures & Observations

Detailed procedures and observations using various test equipment to analyze microcontroller operation:

Multimeter Measurements
Voltage Measurements: Slow sampling rate (twice per second) for steady-state analysis
Ideal for measuring supply voltages and DC levels
Resistance Testing: Component and trace resistance verification
Essential for continuity testing and fault finding
Current Measurement: Series connection required for accurate current readings
Critical for power consumption analysis
Continuity Testing: Resistance mode then 'select' for continuity (beeps under 50 ohms)
Press function twice for portable multimeter operation
Oscilloscope Analysis
High-Speed Sampling: 5 million times per second for detailed signal analysis
Captures fast transients and digital signal transitions
Probing Technique: Ground alligator clip to ground, main probe to signal pins
Proper grounding essential for accurate measurements
5V Supply Analysis: Measured 4.96V actual with ~300mV noise/ripple
Higher than expected noise levels observed
3.3V Supply Analysis: Measured 3.23V actual with similar ~300mV ripple
Consistent ripple characteristics across voltage rails
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Testing
Low-Pass Filter Setup: Configure oscilloscope with low-pass filter
Essential for clean ECG signal acquisition
Probe Placement: Shoulder-to-shoulder probe positioning
Optimal for detecting cardiac electrical activity
Signal Observation: Clear electrocardiogram waveform captured
Potential application for final project development
Digital Signal Decoding
Serial Communication: Code outputs test 100 times on transmit pin (pin 7)
Systematic testing of serial data transmission
Oscilloscope Setup: Press serial button, adjust settings based on requirements
Proper configuration essential for signal interpretation
ASCII Decoding: Observe 1s and 0s, reference ASCII table for character mapping
Manual decoding reveals transmitted data content
Serial Communication Signal Analysis

Serial Signal Analysis: Oscilloscope capture showing digital serial communication signals with clear 1s and 0s pattern, enabling ASCII character decoding and protocol verification.

I2C Communication Analysis
SCL Clock Line: 400 kHz square wave observed (falling edge trigger)
Standard I2C clock frequency for fast mode
SDA Data Line: Serial data stream of 1s and 0s
Data changes on SCL falling edge, stable during SCL high
Protocol Verification: Proper start/stop conditions and addressing observed
Confirms correct I2C implementation
I2C SCL Clock Signal Analysis

SCL Clock Signal: Oscilloscope capture of I2C SCL (Serial Clock) line showing clean 400kHz square wave with proper falling edge timing for data synchronization.

I2C SDA Data Signal Analysis

SDA Data Signal: Oscilloscope capture of I2C SDA (Serial Data) line showing data bits changing on SCL falling edges, demonstrating proper I2C protocol timing and data transmission.

Signal Generation Testing
Receiver Testing: Signal generators test receiving ends of boards
Validates input circuit functionality
Built-in Generators: Most oscilloscopes include signal generation capability
Convenient all-in-one testing solution
Cardiac Input: Specialized cardiac signal input available
Enables advanced biomedical signal analysis

Test Equipment Setup Procedures

Oscilloscope Probing Setup:

  1. Plug alligator clip of ground probe to ground reference
  2. Use main probe clip to probe signal pins
  3. Adjust oscilloscope view for optimal signal display
  4. Start with 5V supply pin for initial voltage verification

Multimeter Continuity Testing:

  1. Set multimeter to resistance mode
  2. Press 'select' function for continuity mode
  3. Device beeps when resistance is under 50 ohms
  4. Press function twice for portable multimeter operation

Measurement Techniques

Systematic Approach: We employed a systematic approach to observe microcontroller operation, starting with basic power supply verification and progressing to complex signal analysis. This methodology ensured comprehensive coverage of all critical operational aspects.

Each measurement was documented with specific test conditions, equipment settings, and observed results to provide a complete picture of microcontroller behavior under various operating conditions.

Key Findings & Practical Applications

Comprehensive analysis of test equipment effectiveness and real-world applications:

🔌 Power Supply Analysis
Findings: 5V rail measured at 4.96V with ~300mV noise/ripple, 3.3V rail at 3.23V with similar ripple characteristics
Applications: Understanding noise and ripple characteristics for stable microcontroller operation
📊 Multimeter Effectiveness
Findings: Essential tool providing 99% of needed information with slow sampling (2Hz) for steady-state measurements
Applications: Primary tool for basic voltage, current, and resistance measurements
📈 Oscilloscope Capabilities
Findings: High-speed sampling (5MHz) enables detailed analysis of digital signals and fast transients
Applications: Real-time signal analysis, protocol verification, and transient capture
📡 Serial Communication
Findings: Successfully decoded ASCII characters from digital bit patterns using oscilloscope serial mode
Applications: Debugging serial protocols and real-time data analysis
🔗 I2C Protocol
Findings: Observed proper 400kHz clock operation with data changes on falling edge, confirming correct implementation
Applications: Validating proper clock and data timing for reliable sensor communication
❤️ ECG Signal Capture
Findings: Demonstrated oscilloscope's biomedical capabilities with clear electrocardiogram waveform acquisition
Applications: ECG signal acquisition techniques for health monitoring projects
⚙️ Equipment Integration
Findings: Most oscilloscopes include built-in signal generators, providing comprehensive testing capabilities
Applications: Using built-in generators to validate receiver circuits and input interfaces
🎯 Equipment Selection
Findings: Multimeter + oscilloscope provide 99% of needed test capabilities
Applications: Optimal equipment selection for comprehensive microcontroller testing

Special Thanks to Our Section

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all members of our section for their invaluable collaboration throughout this group assignment. Your contributions were essential to the success of this comprehensive microcontroller observation project.

Collaboration Activities
  • Equipment setup and calibration
  • Measurement coordination and data collection
  • Signal analysis and interpretation
  • Documentation and result sharing
Knowledge Sharing
  • Test equipment operation techniques
  • Measurement best practices and tips
  • Signal analysis methodologies
  • Troubleshooting strategies and insights

This collaborative effort demonstrates the power of teamwork in technical education and hands-on learning. The collective knowledge and shared experiences significantly enhanced our understanding of microcontroller operation and test equipment usage.

References

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