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Microcontrollers & Embedded Systems

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Author: John Mulindi

  • Software Development Tools for a Microcontroller Programmer

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    John Mulindi
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    Software development tools are computer programs typically run on PCs that allow the programmer or system developer to create, modify and test applications programs. Some of the common software development tools include: Text Editors A text editor is usually used to create or edit programs and text files. The Windows OS comes with a text…

  • Embedded Systems Design Process

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    John Mulindi
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    The ideas employed during the design process in embedded systems can be subdivided into 8 steps: Abstraction Each problem component is first abstracted. For instance, in the design of a robotic system, the problem of abstraction can be in terms of control of arms and motors. Hardware and Software Architecture Architectures should be well comprehended…

  • The Basic Structure of Intel 8051 Microcontroller

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    John Mulindi
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    The Intel 8051 also known as MCS-51 is an 8-bit microcontroller and one of the most popular microcontrollers. The Intel 8051 has four parallel input/output ports; ports 0, 1, 2 and 3. Ports 0, 2 and 3 also have alternative functions. The Intel 8051AH version has 4K bytes ROM, 128 bytes RAM, two timers, and…

  • Applications of Embedded Systems

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    John Mulindi
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    Embedded systems have varied applications for example, they are used in smart cards, computer networking, digital consumer electronics, telecommunications, satellites, just to name a few. We may classify embedded systems applications into 3 categories: Examples of small scale embedded applications include: Some of the examples of medium scale embedded systems applications include: Examples of Sophisticated…

  • Inter-IC Communication Bus

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    John Mulindi
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    Inter-IC communication bus (I2C bus) is a serial data bus that was originally developed at Phillips Semiconductors. It is used for communications between integrated circuits (ICs) or modules. The bus allows data and instructions to be exchanged between devices by means of just two wires. This results in a considerable simplification of circuits. Let’s assume…

  • Polling and Interrupts in Microcontrollers

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    John Mulindi
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    Consider a state where all input/output transfers of data are controlled by the program. When peripherals require attention, they signal the microprocessor by changing the voltage level of an input line. The microprocessor can then respond by jumping to a program service routine for the device. On completion of the routine, a return to the…

  • What is Embedded Java?

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    John Mulindi
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    Embedded Java is a Java version that makes large program development simpler by providing complete object-oriented programming (OOP) features in Java. JVM is configured to minimize memory requirements and run-time overheads in the system. Embedded System programmers use Java in a large number of readily available classes for the IO stream, network and security. Java…

  • 10 Reasons to Consider Java for Embedded Systems Programming

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    John Mulindi
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    Java as a high level programming language has grown over the years into a full-fledged language with an enormous user base. It is used extensively for instance, in building web applications with frameworks such as Spring Boot.   Java has also found a formidable utilization in programming embedded systems, and this is due to the following…

  • Basic Features of PIC16F84 Microcontroller

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    John Mulindi
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    PIC is a short form for peripheral interface controller; this phrase is used by Microchip to refer to its line of microcontrollers. Microchip delivers a large and varied family of inexpensive PIC microcontrollers. They do vary in physical size, the number of I/O pins available, the size of the EEPROM and RAM space for storing…

  • How to Create a PIC Project using MPLAB X IDE

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    John Mulindi
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    In this article, we look at the steps of developing a simple XC8-based project; we will go through the steps in creating a source file using the MPLAB X IDE, then compiling the file. Additionally, we will show you how the program is loaded to the target microcontroller. The program will turn the LED on…