Unit 6 Microcontroller Exam - Program Plan for Taxi Calculator

Introduction

• Purpose: Guide on creating a program plan for a microcontroller exam focused on a taxi fare calculator.
• Context: Part of Activity 3 in the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering.

Activity Overview

• Objective: Develop a plan detailing the program structure and key system operations.
• Activity 3 Focus: Hardware design and connectivity have been covered; now focus on program planning.

Importance of Planning

• Why Plan?: Prevents complexities and errors during actual programming.
• What to Include: Flowchart or pseudocode showing program flow and operations.
• Outcome: A clear roadmap for programming in Activity 4.

Creating the Program Plan

• Flowchart as a Tool: Suggested method for drafting the program structure.
  • Alternative: Pseudocode is acceptable if preferred.
  • Structure: Aim for 15-20 blocks for clarity.
• Software Options: PowerPoint or Publisher recommended for creating flowcharts.
  • PowerPoint Tips:
    • Use custom slide size (A4) for better layout.
    • Utilize flowchart shapes (e.g., terminators for start/end).
    • Use control and shift keys for resizing and alignment.

Example Walkthrough

• Initial Setup:
  • Start with a rounded edge block for 'Start'.
  • Add blocks for each step in the taxi fare process.
• Flow Process:
  • Journey initiation by user.
  • Initial fare setup (£1.50 added to total).
  • Counter starts to count to 20 seconds.
• Decision Points:
  • Use diamond shapes for decisions (e.g., button pressed).
  • Handle actions like pausing, stopping, or adding/subtracting fare based on button presses.
• Repetitive Loops:
  • System checks repeatedly for button presses or countdown completion.
  • Actions like adding 25p to fare every 20 seconds should loop appropriately.
• End of Journey:
  • Stop the counter, ask about surcharges or discounts.
  • Adjust fare and display the final fare.
• Completion:
  • Return to start for the next journey.

Additional Notes

• Unexpected Events Handling: Include a section for handling unexpected events (e.g., incorrect button presses).
• Integration: Save flowchart as an image and insert into the workbook to maintain format.

Conclusion

• Summary: This plan outlines the preparation work for programming in Activity 4.
• Follow-up: The next step will be actual programming, discussed in subsequent videos.

By following the guide above, students can effectively prepare a plan for their microcontroller project, ensuring a structured and clear approach to the programming task ahead.