Hello all, I would like to develop a 8051 trainer kit.The need is as follows: I need a trainer kit which has PS2 keyboard interface to enter mnemonics(computer should not be used) where it should be converted into opcode automatically.These mnemonics are to be entered in memory locations,say 4000 or so,and should be executed on specifing the starting address of the program..
I would like to run basic programs like arithmetic and logics, code conversion etc..Also i would like to interface keyboard,ADC,DAC,motor etc..
Kindly support
Regards Arivalagan M
There are two alternatives.
You either have the skill to do this. Then your post would say: "I have developed a 8051 trainer. It can do xxx. Anyone interested can find a schematics + firmware on my home page yyy."
Or you don't have the skill for this. In which case you should settle for one of the 8051 kits that already exists.
Note that you can't just directly remap a mnemonic into the binary representation. Why? Because a number of instructions needs to contain computed addresses. Which is the reason why an assembler allows the source file to contain labels.
So you should then basically have a chip with enough RAM and a serial EEPROM, flash or FRAM where you can edit and store assembler source files, that can then be assembled into runnable programs. Together with a good monitor software with a disassembler for single-stepping. Unless you have an assembler good enough that it also stores debug information - what source line produced each instruction. Which consumes quite a lot of memory - the mapping from opcode to source line can take more space than the actual opcode...
Just that with only a PS/2 interface for a keyboard, you will have issues looking at the debugger output - unless you have a monitor. How many 8051 are suitable for driving a monitor?
Isn't it time to give up now directly, and instead buy something suitable? You can even buy a dirt-cheap Raspberry Pi to use as PC, and connect a serial port to an existing 8051 development board.
We'd like for YOU to develop it too, but what's stopping you? Why do you need our support in this, isn't this your project? The rest of us have more productive things to do, with chips designed within the last decade.
Hello all, I understand it is an old idea.But,my university is imposing this on us. There is no other way. I decided to do this on my own because students shall do more.
I can manage with hardware design but need support regarding how do i program it..I should enter only the mnemonics(throughPS2 keyboard) and it should be converted into opcodes optically.Just give me some idea and suggestions in this regard. Regards Arivalagan M
So the point is that your university expects you to do it - yourself!
"I decided to do this on my own because students shall do more"
Very true. Well done.
"need support regarding how do i program it"
OK - but you need to do the work yourself. The forum can help by answering specific questions, but you need to do the research, design, etc,...
You've already said it's an old idea (no kidding!); so you're not breaking new ground - there is ample existing material for you to research.
"should be converted into opcodes optically"
Optically?? Do you mean "automatically"?
"Just give me some idea and suggestions in this regard"
Think: What is the name of the tool which converts mnemonics into binary code...?
Look at old "trainer" kits - see how they did it.
Google "debug monitor"...
Read this book. You need it
The 8051 Microcontroller And Embedded Systems Using Assembly And C - Muhammad Ali Mazidi
sure, but beware, it is full of errors
Erik
Erik, Andy, what's your opinion on Kenneth J. Ayala's 8051 or 80251 books?
Mazidi is stupidly price via Amazon (100 USD), International edition appears more realistic (20 USD), although a 30 day ship from India is a PITA.
I learned 8051 from the Intel manuals, and C from K&R. Been less than impressed by Mazidi students posting here.