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TI-RSLK MAX Solderless
Maze Edition Curriculum

The TI Robotics System Learning Kit MAX (TI-RSLK MAX) comes with over 20 learning modules covering core to supplemental topics

Each module is complete with lecture videos and slides, lab documentation and demonstration videos, quizzes and classroom activities and resources from Texas Instruments to support the learning experience. The kit and curriculum is fully customizable, allowing faculty to choose how they integrate the TI-RSLK MAX into their class. The TI-RSLK MAX is targeted to teach embedded systems and applications and can be expanded and used in a variety of engineering classes at any level along a college student’s learning journey.

Through the curriculum, students learn the function and purpose of each hardware and software component included within the TI-RSLK MAX system. With this groundwork, students can write and develop their own code and then build their own fully functioning robotics system. This learning journey culminates in a robot that can complete line-following challenges, compete against other TI-RSLK MAX robotic systems and solve its way through a maze.

Download the TI-RSLK MAX user guide to learn more about the robotics kit.

legend:  red is suplemental   teal is Core

Curriculum modules

The following modules will teach embedded systems while preparing you to build the robotic system
that will perform complex tasks. Faculty can choose between using core or supplemental modules.
Core modules utilize the TI-RSLK MAX. Supplemental modules may require additional equipment
highlighted in the lesson.

We will first learn how to master the microcontroller or the “brain“ of the system, interface with
peripherals such as sensors and motors and create the software development environment used to
write the software to control our system.

1. Running Code on the TI LaunchPad™ Board Using CCS

Review software development methodology and understand how to set up an integrated development environment (IDE).

2. Voltage, Current and Power

Review basic electronic components and the electrical properties needed to interface sensors and actuators to a microcontroller.

3. ARM Cortex-M

A brief introduction to the ARM Cortex-M microcontroller, assembly programming language and some debugging techniques.

4. Software Design Using MSP432

An introduction to C, compiling and debugging using the MSP432 and TI Code Composer Studio™.

5. Building the Robot

Create the robot and build the circuits needed to power the robot.

6. GPIO

Explore conversion from light to voltage and voltage to binary; learn to write software to initialize GPIO pins.

7. Finite State Machine

Use finite state machines as a central controller for the system.

8. Interfacing Input and Output

Develop interface switches and an LED so the robot can effectively detect wall collisions.

9. SysTick Timer

Learn the fundamentals of SysTick timers and pulse width modulators (PWM).

10. Debugging Real-Time Systems-Interrupts

An intro to how flash memory operates.

11. Interfacing Graphical Displays

Learn to display characters and provide real-time debugging on an LCD screen.

12. DC Motors

Interface the motors to the TI LaunchPad™ Board to make the robot move.

13. Timers

Write software that uses the timers to create PWM outputs.

14. Real-Time Systems

Use priority interrupts to create real-time systems.

15. Data Acquisition Systems

Interface the infrared distance sensors using the analog-to-digital converter.

16. Tachometer

Interface the tachometers that enable the robot to measure motor rotational speed.

17. Control Systems

Create a control system by combining the sensors with the actuators.

18. Serial Communication

Understand the operation and use of first-in, first-out (FIFO) queue to interface robot to the PC using a serial channel.

19. Bluetooth® Low Energy

Understand basic concepts of Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE).

20. Wi-Fi

Learn how to develop a set of Wi-Fi communications.

21. Sensor Integration

Integrate multiple sensors with the robotics kit.

Robot challenges

Combine previous modules into a system that solves a complex task.

A line-following challenge can be attempted after module 13. You can attempt the simple maze challenge after finishing module 15. More advanced challenges will require additional modules. Solutions to the labs provide components (hardware and software) for the challenge. In the challenge, you perform system-level design with the components developed in previous modules.

Download the challenge

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