The acquisition of 12 Transputer Development Systems (with each system having nine transputers) allows the use of parallel processing laboratory exercises in a Microprocessor System Design course and also the support of senior-student projects. The Transputer Development Systems provides an inexpensive but excellent and effective approach to teaching and experimenting with parallel processing systems. By the use of innovative laboratory exercises (such as solving the mathematical equivalence of jigsaw puzzles) the Transputer Development Systems enables students to fully explore the advantages and pitfalls associated with trying to develop and execute algorithms on multiple processor systems. Finally, the Transputer Development Systems also is being used to support student Major Qualifying Projects which incorporate substantial parallel-processing capability.
