Two Days Hands-On Workshop on Silicon labs Microcontrollers Using C language

10 Electronics Batch of Mehran University of Engineering & Technology devised a proposal in accordance with their academic and practical requirements, which impressed the faculty and Dean FEECE to an extent that he immediately offered, from his pocket, cash incentives to the students to start the preparations. The proposal was for a “Two Days Hands-On Workshop on Silicon labs Microcontrollers Using C language” which was held on 1^st & 2^nd September (Saturday, Sunday) at Audio Video Conference Hall IIT Building MUET Jamshoro.

The aim of this workshop was to impart technical skills to students right from the basics to advanced level, such that, by the end of the program, the participants got fully trained, as a refined product, ready to implement/design cutting-edge embedded systems. The faculty members, who made this event fruitful, with the incessant support of Vice Chancellor Dr. AQ Rajput, the Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Aslam Uqaili and the DEAN FEECE Dr. BS Chowdhry, were Engr. Attiya Baqai, Engr. Khuhed Memon, Engr. Abbas Shah, Engr. Azam Memon, Engr. Shoaib, Engr. Mustafa Baloch, along with technical assistance staff. The trainer for this workshop was Engr. Rafey Maher. He completed his B.E (Electronics) in the year 2009 from Mehran UET, Jamshoro, securing 3rd Position and is a Post Graduate in Electronic System Engineering (ESE) from MUET, Jamshoro. He is a Gold Medalist from IEEEP in the year 2010 for his research project “Electronic hand glove for wireless control of the appliances”. He has worked as a Lecturer in Department of Electronics Engineering, Mehran UET Jamshoro and later joined Engro Fertilizers, Pakistan as an Instrument and Control Engineer. Currently, he is serving as Assistant Manager in Maritime Systems Limited (MSL), Pakistan. Being affiliated to Mehran University, he showed utmost dedication in training the youth of his Alma Mater.

The workshop started with the appreciating and encouraging words of Dr. AQ Rajput, who admired the efforts of the students and faculty, and in his inaugural speech, emphasized the importance of learning and sharing knowledge. Dr. BS Chowdhry commenced the learning process with his informative lecture on ‘A journey through the life of Microprocessors’. This was followed by Engr. Rafey Maher’s lecture regarding theoretical concepts of microcontrollers and their programming basics in C language on the first day, whereas simulations and hardware training on the second day based on Silicon Laboratories (Cygnal) microcontrollers and C8051F12x DK (Development Kit).

The training sessions continued from 0900hrs to 1600hrs. Dr. Aslam Uqaili addressed the audience on the concluding ceremony. He congratulated the students and faculty on the grand success of the event and awarded shields and certificates to the instructor, participants, faculty, student organizers and assisting staff.

With the contributions from the students and University, equipment worth 85,000 PKR was purchased and furnished in Digital and Microprocessor Laboratory of Department of Electronics Engineering for use of all the students of the department. This includes 5 AVR Trainer Kits, 5 Universal Programmers, stepper motors, LCDs, keypads, set of ICs and cables, among others. Dr. BS Chowdhry also announced the establishment of a “10 ES CORNER” in the laboratory in recognition to the contributions of the batch.

It is now the responsibility of students to utilize the resources available to them to the fullest, learn and implement latest technologies in their research and produce brilliant results which will pave the way to great success.