The PIC family of microcontrollers is the most popular series of microcontrollers in the world. However, all of the computing power of the Microchip PIC microcontrollers is useless without effective, well-written software. The traditional method of creating PIC software using assembly language is time-consuming and difficult. Fortunately, there is a better soluction: PicBasic, a powerful but relatively simple version of the BASIC language optimized for PIC microcontroller applications. Using PicBasic lets you create software in days instead of the weeks required with assembly language. In this applications-oriented guide, author Chuck Hellebuyck assumes no prior knowledge of PicBasic. He begins with an introduction to basic programming concepts such as variables, statements, operators and structures. He then discusses such important concepts as: - differences between the standard PicBasic and PicBasic Pro compilers
- instruction sets and architectures of commonly used PIC microcontrollers such as the 15F84 and 16F876
- key differences between 12-bit, 14-bit and 16-bit core versions of the PIC
- handling interrupts and exceptions
- redirection and branching commands
- communication between multiple PIC microcontrollers
- direct access to input/output and special function registers
Throughout this book, Hellebuyck takes and integrated software/hardware approach to PicBasic programming, using simple code examples to accomplish basic hardware tasks (such as driving an LED display) and gradually increasing example complexity until you are able to program complex tasks and functions in PicBasic. Full software and hardware details are included so you can replicate the designs for yourself or use them as the starting point in your own development efforts. The included CD-ROM contains the source code and executables mentioned in the book as well as an electronic version of the book itself. Table of Contents Introduction 1. Getting Familiar with PICs and PicBasic PIC Overview
Software for PICs
Assembly Language
PicBasic Compiler
2. PicBasic Compiler (PBC) How PBC Works
Variables, Memory, and I/O
Program Operators
PBC Commands
Using PBC
3. The PicBasic Pro Compiler Variables
Constants
Symbols
Numeric and ASCII
Strings
I/O Access
I/O Control
Comments
Math Operators
Arithmetic Operators
Binary Functions
PBPro Commands
4. Inside the PIC Microcontroller Fundamentals
Program Memory
Reset Vector
Data Memory
Status Register
I/O Registers
A/D Registers
Peripheral Interrupt Vector
Option Register
Intcon Register
Summary
5. Simple PIC Projects Project 1: Flashing an LED
Project 2: Scrolling LEDs
Project 3: Driving a 7-Segment LED Display
6. Moving on with the 16F876 Project 4: Accessing Port A I/O
Project 5: Analog-to-Digital Conversion
Project 6: Driving a Servomotor
7. Communication Project 7: Driving a LCD Module
Project 8: Serial Communication
Project 9: Driving a LCD with a Single Serial Connection
8. Memory and Sound Project 10: Using External Memory
Project 11: Accessing Internal Memory
Project 12: Making Music
9. Robotics Project 13: Robot Base
Project 14: Line Tracker
Project 15: Obstacle Detection
Appendix A Appendix B Index Paperback; 317 pages.
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