What Is a Microcontroller?

A microcontroller is an inexpensive single-chip computer. Single-chip computer means that the entire computer system lies within the confines of the integrated circuit chip. The microcontroller on the encapsulated sliver of silicon has features similar to those of our standard personal computer.

Primarily, the microcontroller is capable of storing and running a program (its most important feature). The microcontroller contains a CPU (central processing unit), RAM (random-access memory), ROM (read only memory),

I/O (input/output) lines, serial ports, timers, and sometimes other built-in peripherals such as AD (analog-to-digital) converters.
Why Use a Microcontroller?

Microcontrollers, as stated, are inexpensive computers. The microcontroller’s ability to store and run unique programs makes it extremely versatile. For instance, one can program a microcontroller to make decisions (perform functions) based on predetermined situations (I/O-line logic) and selections.

The microcontroller’s ability to perform math and logic functions allows it to mimic sophisticated logic and electronic circuits.

Microcontrollers are responsible for the “intelligence” in most smart devices on the consumer market.

Look in any hobbyist electronics magazine from this country or any other. You will see articles that feature the use of microcontrollers, either directly or embedded in the circuit’s design. Because of their versatility, microcontrollers add a lot of power, control, and options at little cost. It therefore becomes essential that the electronics engineer or hobbyist learn to program these microcontrollers to maintain a level of competence and to gain the advantages microcontrollers provide in his or her own circuit designs.

If you examine consumer electronics, you will find microcontrollers embedded in just about everything. This is another reason to become familiar with microcontrollers.


Microcontroller Systems

A microcontroller is a single-chip computer. Micro suggests that the device is small, and controller suggests that it is used in control applications. Another term for microcontroller is embedded controller, since most of the microcontrollers are built into (or embedded in) the devices they control.

A microprocessor differs from a microcontroller in a number of ways. The main distinction is that a microprocessor requires several other components for its operation, such as program memory and data memory, input-output devices, and an external clock circuit. A microcontroller, on the other hand, has all the support chips incorporated inside its single chip. All microcontrollers operate on a set of instructions (or the user program) stored in their memory. A microcontroller fetches the instructions from its program memory one by one, decodes these instructions, and then carries out the required operations.

Creating new Project

The easiest way to create a project is by means of the New Project Wizard, drop-down menu: Project > New Project

Start creating your New project, by clicking Next button:


Step One – Select the device from the device drop-down list :


Step Two – Enter the oscillator frequency value :


Step Three – Specify the location where your project will be saved :


Step Four – Add project file to the project if they are avaiable at this point. You can always add project files later using Project Manager but if their is no file to add click Next:

Step Five – Select Include none in the Library Manager :


Step Six – Click Finish button to create your New Project :

Please note that there are some pictures under each steps, so check the link below:


....to be contd
More info here: http://www.jutronix.com/tutorials/pic-tutorial/

Example One: Working with LEDs

Type the following Code to bling some LEDs connected on portb of PIC16F887 in our training kit.

void main() {
TRISB = 0x00;                                   // set portb to be output
do {
            PORTB = 0x00;                      // Turn OFF LEDs on PORTB
            Delay_ms(1000);                   // 1 second delay
            PORTB = 0xFF;                      // Turn ON LEDs on PORTB
            Delay_ms(1000);                   // 1 second delay
       }    while(1);                                  // Endless loop
}

Wow Nice, I want to see more of this. I'm new to embedded systems and I cant wait to get started with creating my first project. I prefer arduino to PIC though ,cos it has all the components (microcontroller, board and usb programmer ) combined as a single unit . It also has its own IDE too.
Which programmer do you use for your PIC?

seunoni34:
Wow Nice, I want to see more of this. I'm new to embedded systems and I cant wait to get started with creating my first project. I prefer arduino to PIC though ,cos it has all the components (microcontroller, board and usb programmer ) combined as a single unit . It also has its own IDE too.
Which programmer do you use for your PIC?

Arduino tutorial is coming soon, I use pickit2 & pickit3 programmers..

princejude:


Arduino tutorial is coming soon, I use pickit2 & pickit3 programmers..

Aite bro ,I'm following

Simulating with MPLAB

Type the following code inside the code editor.

unsigned int count;                  // declare a variable count as an unsigned integer
void main() {
ANSEL = 0;                           // Configure all AN pins as digital I/O
ANSELH = 0; 
C1ON_bit = 0;                        // Disable comparators
C2ON_bit = 0;

TRISA = 0;                           // PORTA is input
TRISB = 0;                           // PORTB is output
TRISC = 0;                           // PORTC is output
PORTB = 0;
do {
      PORTB = count;                      // send the value of count to portb
      count++;                               // increase count by 1
      if (count >= 12)count = 0;    // if count is greater than or equal to 12, reset 
                                                  // its value to zero to start over again
   }
      while(1);                                // endless loop
}

1. Open Tools >> Options >> Output Option, and check the “Generate COFF file” option, and click the OK button.
2. After that, compile the project by clicking the build icon or pressing Ctrl + F9.
3. Next, open MPLAB IDE, and select the appropriate device (P16F887) by choosing Configure >> Select Device… :

4. After device selection, click on the File >> Import. Open file dialog box should appear. Then, go to the project folder and open the generated COFF file, LED.cof :

5. Then, select the MPLAB SIM from the Debugger >> Select Tool menu for software debugging :

6. Click on View >> Watch to open the watch window. Click on the drop down list on left-side, select special function registers TRISA, TRISB and PORTB and click Add SFR to add them.

7. Click the drop down list on right-side, select the variable count and click Add symbol to add it.

8. Now,you can start debugging the code by clicking Step into button on the Debug toolbar, or by pressing F8 : You can then watch the values of the added registers and variable count in the watch window as you step into the code.

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Hello Peeps,

I am thrilled to have stumbled on this thread. I have been searching for a micro-controller expert but I am yet to get one but I do hope someone here can help me.

I am working on a project that requires a set of 12digits codes to be stored on a micro-controller which would be embedded in an electronic gadget with chargeable battery. Basically, a single code at a time is inputted to the electronic system via a remote and the controller compares with codes store on it. If the code matches one of those stored in the controller's memory, it unlocks the electronic gadget for usage for a period of time. After the duration, it is locked back.

That's basically an overview of the project. I will like to know if anyone could help me on this thread. Thanks for reading.

Rexruzzy:
Hello Peeps,

I am thrilled to have stumbled on this thread. I have been searching for a micro-controller expert but I am yet to get one but I do hope someone here can help me.

I am working on a project that requires a set of 12digits codes to be stored on a micro-controller which would be embedded in an electronic gadget with chargeable battery. Basically, a single code at a time is inputted to the electronic system via a remote and the controller compares with codes store on it. If the code matches one of those stored in the controller's memory, it unlocks the electronic gadget for usage for a period of time. After the duration, it is locked back.

That's basically an overview of the project. I will like to know if anyone could help me on this thread. Thanks for reading.

I can help you, I have experience in Microcontroller programming and electronic circuit design.

Coming Soon!!!
1. PCB drilling bits (1 set = 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1.0mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm)
2. NRF24L01+ WIRELESS MODULE (Upgrade Version)
3. NRF24L01+ (Power Enhanced)
4. NRF24L01+PA+LNA wireless modules 1100meters (with Antenna)
5. MQ-7 Module
6. PIC18F4520
7. USBasp AVR and 8051 Programmer
And more....

.... www.jutronix.com

September Arrivals

ISD1820 Voice Recording Module
TDA2030 Amplifier Module
W5100 Ethernet Shield
9 Pin 10k A09-103 Resistor pack
8 Channel Relay module
microSD Card Module
CP2102 USB-TO-TTL
L7805CV
ST Link V2
STM32F103C8T6 ARM Minimum Board
Electronic Door Lock
MB-102 (830 Point) Bread Board
20cm Dupont male – female
20cm Dupont male – male
GPS Receiver
MG995 Metal Gear Servo
MG90S Metal Gear Mini Servo
SG90 Mini Servo
Stepper Motor with ULN2003 motor driver board
LM35 Temperature Sensor
HLK-PM01 AC-DC 220V to 5V mini power supply
RFID NFC PN532 Shield
MLX90614 Contactless Temperature Sensor Module
DHT11 Temperature And Relative Humidity Sensor Module
Servo Pan/Tilt Anti-Vibration Camera Mount
Kinsten Positive Acting Presensitized Single-sided PCB PP1015 (10×15)cm x 1.6mm
Kinsten Positive Acting Presensitized Double-sided PCB PP1015 (10×15)cm x 1.6mm
FR4 PCB Single Side Copper Clad Board. 70 x 100 x 1.5 mm
FR4 PCB Double-Side Copper Clad Board, 150 * 100 * 1.6 mm
1W Zener diode 3.3v -30V
DIY KIT GSM GPRS 900 – 1800 MHz Short Message Service SMS module
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PH Level Sensor Module

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FEATURING
o Microcontrollers
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• Arduino UNO/Nano microcontrollers
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o Software
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• ARM online compiler/Arduino Software IDE/ Microchip MpLAB IDE
• Proteus Professional, Multism, Utiliboard
• Tera Term, Cool term, serial monitor, etc.

BASIC AND INTERMEDIATE Courses
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Microcontroller Architectures, e.g. ARM Cortex-M3, Memory Technologies:
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Review of digital I/O, InfraRed PIR Motion Sensor, techniques of analogue
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How the Next Evolution of the Internet Is Changing Everything, IoT as a
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Advanced Languages Survey - Java Application on embedded Systems,
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SPECIALISED Course
5. Sensors Interfacing II: Digital and Analogue Input/Output
i. Humidity, Dew point and Temperature Sensor (DHT22)
ii. Ultrasonic Range Finder Srf05 & Srf08
iii. Ultrasonic Transmitter/Receiver
iv. Infrared Receiver Module
v. HC-05 Wireless Bluetooth RF Transceiver Module serial.

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i. ARM Controller + Bluetooth: SM-RN RN42 module data serial transfer (M2M)
ii. ARM Controller + LinkSprite JPEG Infrared Color Camera TTL Interface:
Capture high pixel images and save into flash memory
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v. ARM Controller + EasyVR Shield 2.0: Voice Recognition Shield, voice
programmed into controllers and use for automation.
vi. ARM Controller + RN-XV WiFly: IoT (WIFI data transfer)
vii. ARM Controller + Ethernet: IoT
viii. PIC 18f + Bluetooth: Windows App – interfaces with PC (Laptop) GUI
to control and monitor devices. PIC RF Solutions with Bluetooth Module
TOOTHPIC-V2
ix. Arduino + 1Sheeld – Mobile Automation - integrated plugin on Android
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EMAIL: admin@atopetautomations.com
CONTACT NUMBER: +(234) 09094009029

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