Programming and Interfacing PIC Microcontrollers (PC065)

SynopsisIt is widely recognized that where cost is a significant factor, 8-bit microcontrollers provide the most economical solution for embedded devices, and the Microchip PIC microcontroller is one of the best-supported and most interesting microcontrollers available today. This course is intended to prepare you to take the full advantage of PIC microcontrollers for embedded system design.

Course Highlight
Microcontrollers are found in a multitude of applications in the automotive, consumer, communications, office automation and industrial control markets. The PIC hardware architecture and instruction sets are first introduced in classroom setting with the aid of video and software tools. The concepts are then re-enforced through exercises and examples of how the PIC-based systems are designed in real-life. Demonstration and hands-on practical using the PIC Evaluation Kit and MPLAB software tools will be carried out to illustrate various principles and techniques.

Figures below showing part of PIC Evaluation Kit used in the training.



What previous participants say about this course
Answers to the question 'what did you like most about the course'

• "Hands-on / practical exercise" - 3 Mar 11
• "Instructor very helpful and can understand what is taught" - 3 Mar 11
• "Explaination was clear, Can follow easily" - 3 Mar 11
• "Function of the chip and function of the board" - 3 Mar 11

What You Will Learn

• Essential fundamental concepts and practical applications for those designing and developing PIC-based systems
• PIC programming fundamentals, concepts and tips
• Typical PIC-based interfacing which includes displays, digital and analog I/Os, relay and motor controls, PC interface, and more

Who Should AttendEngineers and technicians who are involved in microcontroller-based system design, and wish to apply this technology to achieve optimum performance with low design and manufacturing costs. It is also applicable for those deploying and maintaining such systems in the field.

PrerequisiteTechnical background in electronics, programming at Diploma or Degree levels. Knowledge in C programming is required. For those who don't have background in C programming, attending Practical C Programming for Engineers is recommended.

Course MethodologyThis course starts with essential fundamentals of microcontroller system. The participants are then taught the hardware architecture and unique features of the Microchip PIC microcontrollers. Once equipped with the basics and knowledge of PIC microcontrollers, the participants are then introduced to the PIC programming and typical applications of PIC-based systems.

The following software tools are used in this training:

• MPLAB IDE
• MPSIM and Debugger

• MPLAB ICD 2 Evaluation Kit (DV164005)
• PICDEM 2 Plus demonstration board
• PIC16Fxx MCU (PIC16F84, PIC16F628A, PIC16F877) with target boards

Course Duration3 days, 9am - 5pm

Course StructureDay 1

• Introduction to MCU - Overview of microcontroller families, ROM technology, the 8-bit uC variants
• The PICmicro - MCU - Device and hardware features summary, processor architecture, memory organization, system clock, watchdog timer, program counter and stack, ISCP and more.
• On-Chip Peripherals - I/O operations, timer operations, serial operations, interrupt operations.
• The PICmicro - MCU Instruction Set - Mid-range instruction set, data movement instructions, data-processing instructions, processor-control instructions.

• PICmicro - MCU Application Software Development Tools - Software development tools, high-level languages, MPLAB IDE, MPSIM, and other support tools.
• Programming PICmicro - MCUs - Hex file format, code-protect features, low-level programming, ICSP programming, macro development, third-party programrs.
• Experiments and Hands-on (1) - Basic MCU-based projects: running LEDs, push buttons, IR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, DC, stepper and servomotor motor controls.

• Hardware Interfacing - interfacing to LEDs, LCD, digital I/O, matrix keypads, PC, RTC, serial EEPROM, analog I/O, relays and solenoids, DC, stepper and servomotors, PC interfacing.
• Practical Design Issues - microcontroller design cycle, assembly programming tips, debugging and simulation.
• Experiments and Hands-on (2) - Intermediate PIC MCU-based projects: PC interfacing, RTC, serial EERPOM, analog inputs, real-time operating system.