Category: Microcontrollers
-
Device Programmers for PIC Microcontrollers
Once the program is written and translated into executable code, the resulting HEX file is loaded to the target microcontroller’s program memory with the aid of a device programmer. The type of device programmer depends on the type microcontroller to be programmed. For instance, some device programmers can only program PIC16 series, whereas some can…
-
The Difference between a Simulator and an Emulator
A simulator is software that runs on a PC and allows the microcontroller code to be simulated (run) on the PC. Many programming errors can be identified and corrected during simulation. An emulator is hardware that connects a PC to the microcontroller in a prototype mechatronic system. It typically consists of a printed circuit board…
-
Development Boards for PIC Microcontrollers Programming
Development boards are helpful microcontroller learning tools. Simple development boards contain just a microcontroller and the required clock circuitry. More sophisticated development boards contain LEDs, pushbuttons, LCD, serial ports, USB port, power supply circuit, device programming hardware, and so forth. Some of the commercially available PIC18 microcontroller development boards include: PICDEM 2 Plus This development…
-
How Microprocessors differs from Microcontrollers
In terms of functionality, for the microprocessor to be used, other components such as memory or components that provide I/O capability, that is, components for receiving and sending data must be added to it. On the other hand, the microcontroller is designed in such a way to incorporate all the necessary components in one chip.…
-
Basic Elements of an Arduino UNO Revision 3 Board
Arduino is a small-sized microcontroller board with supplementary components that has been designed to facilitate the use of a microcontroller in control projects. The basic board, Arduino UNO Revision 3, uses the 8-bit Atmel microcontroller, ATmega328P. The board has a universal serial bus (USB) plug to enable it to be directly connected to a computer…
-
Software Development Tools for a Microcontroller Programmer
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…
-
The Basic Structure of Intel 8051 Microcontroller
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…
-
Inter-IC Communication Bus
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
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…