201O International Conference on E-Health Networking, Digital Ecosystems and Technologies

Application of Proteus Virtual System Modelling (VSM) in Teaching of

Microcontroller

Bo Su , Li Wang
School of Electrical Engineering & Automation
Hennan Polytechnic University
JiaoZllo , China
[email protected]

Abstract-Microcontrollers are widely applied in the field of complete microcontroller-based designs. For the first time
industry to solve engineering control problems.The increased ever, it is possible to develop and test such designs before a
use of microcontrollers makes microcontroller course physical prototype is constructed[3].
necessary for electricity related speciality. A new simulation
software package for microcontroller,Proteus virtual system II. FUNCTIONS OF PROTEUS VSM
modelling(VSM), is introduced for industrial and educational
With traditional design tools, software developmnet and
use.Proteus VSM combines circuit simulation, animated
system testing can not begin until a PCB and physical
components and microprocessor models to facilitate
prototype are available,which will incur a delay of up to 2-3
co-simulation of complete microcontroller based
weeks.And if something wrong with the hardware design,
designs.Proteus VSM makes it possible to develop and test
designs before a physical prototype is constructed.The
the whole process must be repeated. Fig.! gives the
functions and advantages of Proteus VSM are introduced.The traditionnal process.Using Proteus VSM,software
comparisons of Proteus VSM lab against hardware lab are development can begin as soon as the schematic is
deeply discussed. Proteus VSM is uniquely suited to teaching drawn,and the combination of hardware and software can be
students about the design and operation of thoroughly tested before physical prototype is
microcontroller-based systems. constructed.The new process is shown in Fig.2.

Keywords- microcontroller;Proteus;simulation; teaching;

I. INTRODUCTION
� Hardware Hods
Microcontrollers are widely applied in the field of -----------------
---
industrial control such as process control,intelligent
instruments, electromechanical integration and intelligent Figure 1. Process of traditionl development
interface for features of small size, low power consumption,
control functions, expansion flexibility. It has become the
urgent needs for students of electricity related speciality to
master microcontroller application technology.In colleges
and universities ,microcontroller courses are opened as a
basic professional course for electrical majors[I]. Due to the � ____________ �H:
ar�d:
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r'�
MO :
dS �____________---
--
complexity and practicality of microcontrollers,it is difficult
for students to understand and grasp the pinciples of
microcontrollers.In early teaching, the usual steps of Figure 2. Process of development using Proteus VSM
developing an application system included building
hardware circuits, programming, debugging with the The user of Proteus VSM can interact with the design
simulator,writing the flash and off-line operation.The using on screen indicators such as LED and LCD displays
development was expensive and time-consuming. and actuators such as switches and buttons. The simulation
Later,several microcontroller simulation software packages takes place in real time: a ! GMHz Pentium III can simulate
were available for industrial and educational use. These a basic 8051 system clocking at over 12MHz. Proteus VSM
software packages could reduce time and ower costs ,but the also provides extensive debugging facilities including
tools for hardware simulation were not in combination breakpoints, single stepping and variable display for both
with those for software simulation. It was impossible for the assembly code and high level language source.
user to develop and test the complete design before the In general, the chief functions of Proteus VSM are as
construction of the physical prototype[2]. follows.
Proteus Virtual System Modelling (VSM) , a design suite
A. Schematic entry
from Labcenter Electronics Ltd, combines mixed mode
SPICE circuit simulation, animated components and In Proteus systems, Schematic Capture provides the
microprocessor models to facilitate co-simulation of environment for design entry and development. The

978-1-4244-5517-1110/$26.00 ©20 10 IEEE EDT2010

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software combines ease of use with powerful editing tools.lt It simulates the execution of the object code, just like a
is capable of supporting schematic capture for both real chip. The VSM CPU models fully simulate I/O ports,
simulation and PCB design. Schematic Capture provides interrupts, timers, USARTs and all other peripherals present
you with ultimate control of the drawing appearance in on each supported processor. VSM can even simulate
terms of line widths, fill styles, colours and fonts.This designs containing multiple CPUs.
enables you to produce attractive schematics. Once your
D. Source level debugging
drawing is complete you can export it as a graphics file or
copy it to the clipboard for incorporation in other All Proteus VSM processor models are able to run binary
documents. This makes Schematic Capture ideal for use in files produced by any assembler or compiler.Proteus VSM
technical documentation, academic papers and project has the ability to perform simulation in single step mode. As
reports.Fig.3 shows the screen shot of Schematic Capture. the user single steps the code, he can observe the effect on
the entire design - including all the electronics external to
the microcontroller. The Proteus VSM processor models are
able to load the debug data files produced by selected third
party compilers, which enables them to provide full
high-level language debugging facilities including the ability
to display and step through the original source code as the
code executes.

E. Diagnostic messaging
Proteus is equipped with comprehensive diagnostic or
trace messaging. This allows the user to specifY which
components or processor peripherals that are of interest at
any given time and receive detailed textual reporting of all
activity and system interaction. This is invaluable as a
debugging aid, allowing you to locate and fix problems in
both software and hardware much faster than you could
Figure 3. Screen shot of Schematic Capture
when working on a physical prototype.
B. Circuit simulation
F. Peripheral model libraries
All versions of Proteus include a copy of ProSPICE, a
mixed mode SPICE circuit simulator. ProSPICE combines a Proteus comes as standard with tens of thousands of
models for standard CMOSITTL parts, opamps, transistors,
SPICE3f5 analogue simulator kernel with a fast event-driven
digital simulator to provide seamless mixed-mode diodes, passives, buttons, switches etc.ln additon, Proteus

simulation. The use of a SPICE kernel lets you utilise any of VSM is equipped with a comprehensive library of embedded

the numerous manufacturer-supplied SPICE models now peripheral models, from alphanumeric and graphical LCD

available and around 6000 of these are included with the displays, through DC, BLCD and servo motors to ethernet

package. Proteus VSM includes a number of virtual controller chips. Most important,additional peripheral

instruments including Oscilloscope, Logic Analyser, models are being developed constantly. Fig.5 shows the
structure of the peripheral model libraries.
Function Generator, Pattern Generator, Counter Timer and
Virtual Terminal as well as simple voltmeters and ammeters.
In addition, Protetus VSM provides dedicated
Master/SlavelMonitor mode protocol analysers for SPI and
12C.The Advanced Simulation option can be used to
upgrade the basic ProSPICE simulator to provide a full
range of graph based analyses including frequency, fourier,
distortion, noise and multi-variable ACIDC parameter
sweeps[4].FigA shows the screen shot of VSM
Oscilloscope, which models a four beam analogue
oscilloscope.

C. Co-simulation of microcontroller software

The most exciting and important feature of Proteus VSM
is its ability to simulate the interaction between software
running on a microcontroller and any analog or digital
electronics connected to it.The microcontroller model sits on
Figure 4. Screen shot of VSM Oscilloscope
the schematic along with the other elements of the design.

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 when you step the code the entire system will update
EI mp.oteus VSM Advanced Pe<il,he.al Models allowing you to examine the effect of instruction execution
!:b···.lnstnllnentation and Analysis Tools on the full design.The Register Window provided detailed
!:b···.OI'toElect<onic Display Models and D.ive.s information on the internal state of the CPU.Through this
!:b· ·.Motor Models and Cont.olle.s
·

!:b···.Hall Effect Sensor Models example,we can see that the simulation in Proteus VSM lab
!:b ··.Ethe.net Controlle. Models
·
is excellent and very easy to implement.
!:b···.potentiomete. Models
!:b ...• Memo,y Models
�.··.Telnl}el·atll..e Control Models TABLE!. COMPARISON OF PROTEUS VSM LAB AGAINST
!:b ...• Tilllekeel'ing Models HARDWARE LAB
!:b·.·.12CISPI P.otocol Models
!:b .1 Wi .e P.otocol Models
··· - Proteus VSM Lab Hardware Lab
!:b·.·.RMS Detection/Conve.sion Models Proteus VSM can be installed Installation of hardware
!:b ·.Vo ltage Cont.olled AIllI,lifie. (VCA) Models
··
in general purpose computer equipment typically requires a
!:b·.·.Une Receive. Models
!:b···.RS232IRS485,IRS422 P.otocol Models rooms anywhere on campus. dedicated lab.
!:b ··.ADCIDAC Converter Models
·
Site Licences of Proteus VSM Equipping a hardware lab with In
�.·.• Power Manageillent Models are significantly discounted Circuit Emulators is expensive.
!:b ...• Pulse Wi(lth Control Models for educational use.
� ...• Lal)laCe Transfonn Ivlodels Proteus VSM includes II Test instruments such as
!:b...• Thennionic Valve Models
� ...• Transduce.- Models virtual instruments as oscilloscopes, logic analysers and
standard. pattern generators add further
expense.
Figure 5. Structure of peripheral model libraries
Unlimited site licences of The number of users is limited to
Proteus VSM have no upper the amount of physical hardware
III. COMPARISON OF PROTEUS VSM LAB AND
limit on the number of users. purchased.
HARDWARE LAB Circuit design in Proteus VSM Reworking or modifying
Microcontroller is a technical course with very strong is both simple and flexible, hardware circuitry can be tedious
allowing students to and prone to errors.
practicality, undoubtedly the experiment is one of most
experiment easily and quickly.
important practice links of teaching. Due to limited fund and Proteus VSM is totally safe Student error can result in blown
hardware experiment resource, the students can not have and virtual components are hardware components and
enough chances to exercise. If we full use the simulation indestructible. additional expense.
All site licences include a Students are limited to working
emulation of the software as the auxiliary experiment means,
version for distribution to on the equipment within the lab.
it will greatly promote the teaching of the students.
microcontroller[5].
Proteus VSM can facilitate co-simulation of complete
microcontroller-based designs. VSM is uniquely suited to
buliding virtual lab for microcontroller for its full virtual
debugging interface. With the aid of Proteus VSM, teachers
and students can develop and test application systems before
physical prototyping. The virtual lab obviates the need for
expensive hardware and allows the students the freedom and
flexibility to design and develop microcontroller solutions
without the need for a physical prototype.
Proteus VSM lab has advantages over the hardware lab
in many aspects. Table.! shows the comparison of Proteus
VSM lab against a typical microprocessor hardware lab
equipped with evaluation boards and in-circuit emulators.
In our university, a Proteus VSM lab was established in
collaboration with Windway technology in 2007. A
simulation of a floating point calculator based on MCS8051 Figure 6. Simulation of calculator based on 8051
is shown in Fig.6. The MCS8051 Model models the full
instruction set and all associated peripherals.The TTL 8-bit
transparent latch is used to latch the data from the shared IV. CONCLUSIONS

data and address bus.The 8kx8 static RAM provides Proteus VSM Proteus VSM improves efficiency,
additional data memory for the processor.The Universal quality and flexibility throughout design process of
Keypad model allows for user configuration and is ideal for microcontroller-based system. With the aid of virtual
inputting data into the system.The Proteus VSM system modelling facility of Proteus, the user can
Alphanumeric LCD Model is based on the HD44780 transform product design cycle, reaping huge rewards in
controller and parts are included for both parallel and serial terms of reduced time to market and lower costs of
variants.The Source Window allows you to view your development.Proteus VSM is useful in teaching of
program, set breakpoints and single step your code.Note that microcontroller.The application of Proteus VSM makes

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 students gain a thorough understanding of hardware and
software.Proteus VSM design suite provides a good way
to establish microcontroller lab . The virtual lab gives
students the freedom and flexibility to develop
microcontroller-based solutions.Since the founding of
Proteus VSM lab,the teaching of microcontroller courses
has been constantly developed and improved.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This research is sponsored by the Higher Education

Educational Reform Research Project of Henan Province
(2009SJGLX131) and Education Science Research
Project of Henan Province(2009-JKGHAZ-0039).

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[3] Yue Dawei, Wu Yi, Chi Changchun, and Wang Yao, "Application
of Proteus in design of intelligent electrical aparatus ," Low Voltage
Apparatus,2007(21), pp.2I-23,45.
[4] Ren Bin, Yu Cheng, Chen Wei ,and Lai Shuming, "The application
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