PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) is a microcontroller family. It is developed by Microchip Technology. It plays important role in embedded systems. Low cost, serial programming capability, reprogramming of the flash memory, availability of free developing tools, large user database, etc. are some of the PIC microcontroller features. This bunch of features makes it the best microcontroller. How to start with PIC microcontroller programming? PIC microcontroller programming is easy with the C language.
Mikro C is a simple C compiler for this Microchip microcontroller. PIC In-System Programmer (ISP) is an essential circuit to flash the memory of the microcontroller. This article deals with the PIC microcontroller, compiler Mikro C and USB PIC programmer circuit.
How to Develop PIC Microcontroller Programming
Here is a step-by-step procedure to develop a PIC program and the embedding (burning) of the program to the flash memory of PIC. To start PIC fundamentals you need the following tools
- Mikro C pro for PIC
- PIC Programmer
What is Mikro C?
Mikro C PRO for PIC is a full-featured ANSI C compiler for PIC microcontrollers. It is the best solution for building up to code for PIC.
It features an intuitive IDE, a powerful compiler with advanced optimizations, lots of hardware and software libraries. And also additional tools that will help you in your PIC work environment.
It arises with a complete Help file and lots of embedded program examples intended to get you started.
PIC Programmer
To burn the program code to the memory of the Microcontroller you need PIC ISP (In-System Programmer). Circuits Gallery already posted one power full USB programmer for the PIC family of microcontrollers.
The C program code is converted to a Hex file by Mikro C and the Hex file should be loaded to the Microcontroller flash in order to start working. For this purpose, we are using a USB PIC programmer.
Steps behind Burning of a PIC Microcontroller
The below block diagram shows the flow of a C program into the micro controller’s memory.
- 1st we are writing the C program codes in the editor panel of Mikro C.
- Next step is converting this C codes to HEX file or Machine language file. Mikro C compiler does this job.
- Later this HEX file downloaded to the memory of PIC micro-controller using PIC programmer.
Basic PIC Connection Circuits
The below figure shows the basic connection diagram of the PIC Microcontroller.
Mikro C guide
Write embedded C program and Build.HEX file using Mikro C: This embedded C guide contains whatever you need to know about PIC programming. We explained almost everything related to Mikro C and the Flashing of the controller.
Conclusion
PIC is a compact and multifunctional tool to fabricate any controllable project. It is easy to perform a pic microcontroller programming and anyone can modify it easily. You will get a basic idea about this coding in this article.
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