This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to develop and test structured programming instructions for microcontroller devices at a fundamental level.

It includes microcontroller device code architecture and programming fundamentals, writing and testing specified instructions, and documenting development activities.

In this unit, the term ‘micro’ refers to microcontrollers, however, competency in the unit can be achieved using microprocessors.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Identify microcontroller device code to specifications

1.1

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) processes and workplace procedures for a given work area are obtained and applied

1.2

Hazards are identified, WHS/OHS risks assessed, and control measures and workplace procedures are implemented in preparation for work

1.3

Scope of specification to be developed is determined from job performance requirements and in consultation with relevant person/s

1.4

Activities are planned to meet scheduled timelines in consultation with person/s involved on the worksite

1.5

Appropriate development kit and software are selected in accordance with specified requirements and required performance standards

1.6

Strategies are implemented to ensure programming is in accordance with relevant industry standards/protocols

2

Develop microcontroller device code to specifications

2.1

WHS/OHS risk control measures and workplace procedures for carrying out work are followed

2.2

Microcontroller functions and features are applied to developing microcontroller device code specifications

2.3

Structure and syntax are applied to developing program specification for target microcontroller function

2.4

Key features of the assembler programming language are identified and applied to develop and test microcontroller device solutions

2.5

Approaches to issues/problems are analysed to provide most effective solutions

2.6

Quality of work is monitored in accordance with performance agreement/specification and/or workplace procedures or relevant industry standards

3

Test and document microcontroller device code to the required application

3.1

Testing workplace procedures are developed to analyse code developed

3.2

Problems, faults and bugs are identified and rectified to ensure specification in the creation of the code is met

3.3

Intermediate and final work reports are written in accordance with relevant industry standards and presented to appropriate person/s

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least two separate occasions and include:

applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, including:

workplace procedures and practices

using of risk control measures

developing and testing structured programming instructions for microcontroller device

dealing with unplanned events/situations in accordance with workplace procedures in a manner that minimises risk to personnel and equipment

developing testing procedures/protocols

identifying problems and bugs/faults in program

rectifying problems and bugs/faults in program in accordance with workplace procedures

using all key features of an appropriate assembler language

writing and presenting work reports to relevant industry standards and protocols.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

fundamental structured programming instructions for microcontroller device

memory organisation, operation and addressing methods

microcontroller architecture

microcontroller control system programming methods

microcontroller devices testing protocols

microcontroller programmer’s model

microcontroller programming terms

relevant industry programming standards, environment and protocols

relevant job safety assessments or risk mitigation processes

relevant manufacturer specifications

relevant programming language fundamentals

relevant WHS/OHS legislated requirements

relevant workplace documentation

relevant workplace policies and procedures.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in suitable workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in suitable simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, facilities and equipment currently used in industry

resources that reflect current industry practices in relation to developing and testing code for microcontroller devices

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the UEE Electrotechnology Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Developing and testing code for microcontroller devices must include at least three of the following:

selecting an appropriate micro for a given task

setting up and using basic input/output (I/O) functions

using assembler/simulator software packages to debug program

finding system fault/s

Electrotechnology

Instrumentation & Control