A combined virtual and remotely accessible microprocessor laboratory

Abstract

We present a microprocessor lab that is accessible remotely, i.e. students can control the hardware in the lab from their computer at home. At the same time the lab also provides the features of a virtual lab, i.e. students conduct experiments on simulators. Both modes of the lab are run under a common user interface. This lab is suited especially for distance education, as students can develop and test their code offline, while still conducting their experiments on real hardware. This lab is thought to replace a traditional lab course where students had to be present on campus for one week fulltime, which is quite difficult to realize in distance education.