An automatic grader for embedded systems education

In this thesis, we introduce MicroGrader, an automated grader for embedded systems projects. The grader runs on a laptop or desktop computer, while the embedded system being evaluated runs on a microcontroller. By implementing a custom communication protocol between the grader and the embedded system, we enable the grader to inject test inputs and observe the resulting outputs. We describe a data structure for defining the technical requirements of an assignment. This data structure is meant to be simple to use, but highly expressive to allow for a wide range of possible assignments. We also outline the implementation of the MicroGrader system and the underlying communication protocol. We discuss the constraints that this implementation imposes on instructors. Finally, we describe a method of automatically constructing tests using a staff-built reference solution for a generic assignment.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Mendelsohn, Daniel L., M. Eng. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Joseph D. Steinmeyer.

• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Statement dc:rights

• MIT theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed, downloaded, or printed from this source but further reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/119535

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/119535