Microcontroller Design
Description
Participants develop a working digital device (product) with real-world applications. Through a product demonstration and documentation, the team demonstrates knowledge of microcontroller programming, simple circuitry, and product design and marketing. The project should have educational and social value, and conform to the theme for the year. Semifinalists demonstrate and promote their work in a presentation.
2025-26 Design Challenge
Musical Instrument
Kirkland MS, Team 2, 2025 1st Place
Event Resources
EVENT EXAMPLES
Click on the links to the right to view past entries for this event
Event Deadlines
January 22, 2026
Students will need their Participant ID number, and password, from their advisor. Only the team captain will be able to upload the file.
Design Challenge: Musical instrument
Students submit documentation portfolio, items a-e.
April 2026
Students submit portfolio and device on Wednesday evening, and sign up for a presentation time.
All teams will present to judges.
NOTE
This is a low enrollment event, requiring students to receive at least 75% of the total points possible to be in the Top 5 on stage, or to progress to the National TSA Conference in this event.
Washington TSA Rules
To compete, students must:
Belong to a currently affiliated TSA chapter
Be registered (by their TSA advisor) for competition by December 19, 2025 ($35)
Compete in the January 22, 2026 virtual competition (see individual event pages for details)
Be selected as a top competitor in their event(s) and invited to participate at State
Number of competitors is dependent on specific event
Qualifying competitor lists will be published by February 8, 2026
State Conference registration week February 23-27, 2026 (see state conference page for details)
At the state level, 3 teams per chapter may compete.
Additional Information
Event Coordinator:
Event Manager: Kari Potter, kpotter@washingtontsa.org
