GBCTechTraining Updates the Electronics Technician Certificate Program
George Brown College Technical Training would like to announce the introduction of a new module within our Electronics Technician certificate program. The new module will take a look at Microprocessors, their applications, and their increasing role in manufacturing. The Electronics Technician program provides an overview of the theory and technical aspects of working as an electronics technician through distance-based, online education.
What’s New: Microprocessors
The new module focuses on the use of microprocessors and their expanded role in manufacturing. Having a fundamental understanding of microprocessors has become necessary and more relevant for electronics technicians, and the curriculum has been developed in response to the rapid rise in the use of microprocessors in the past years. This update will bring the program into further compliance with external regulatory and accrediting organizations such as the Electronics Technician Association (ETA).
“This new curriculum has been developed in response to the rapid rise in use of microprocessors over the past several years in a wide range of consumer and commercial applications, ranging from smart phones to automobiles to appliances.” – Colin Simpson, Dean, Centre for Continuous Learning
Students will be given an introduction to the basic theory and operation of microprocessors, including their logical and programming characteristics. They will be introduced to the concepts of instruction sets, machine language programming, input/output, interrupts, and interfacing techniques. The module will cover both hardware and software aspects of popular 8-bit and 32-bit microprocessors as well as microcontrollers and an introduction to PC architecture. Additionally, students will become familiar with microprocessor architecture (registers, memory maps, status, program counter, stack), logic operations, assembly language programming, embedded-system design, and be given an introduction to control algorithms.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Explain the difference between a MPU and a MCU
- Name the four basic functions of a microprocessor
- Differentiate between volatile and nonvolatile memory
- Define "flash memory"
- Describe the main purpose of an operating system in a PC
- Name two types of programming languages used by MPUs
- List the major features of microcontrollers
- Explain the purpose of a memory management unit
- Differentiate between multitasking and multiprocessing
Types of Microprocessors
While the new module does not emphasize any particular manufacturer of microprocessors, students will be exposed to the Intel family of microprocessors. The Intel microprocessor family is one of the most popular and extensively used, giving students a broad range of both general and specific technical knowledge The new module will provide students with the skills needed to transfer their knowledge across a variety of microprocessors.
The Electronics Technician program is a self-paced training program with continuous enrollment. This means that students can start the program when it suits them and work through the curriculum at their own pace. They can study and take exams in the comfort of their homes. As with all other GBC Technical Training programs, students in the Electronics Technician program have access to online resources, the Discussion Forum and tutorial and technical support (by phone or e-mail.)
For more information on George Brown College’s Electronics Program, or other distance-learning based technical programs, please contact us at 1-888- 553-5333 to speak to a Program Consultant.