Embedded systems

What is a MCU???
A microcontroller (sometimes abbreviated C, uC or MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. Program memory in the form of NOR flash or OTP ROM or one time programmable ROM is also often included on chip, as well as a typically small amount of RAM. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general purpose applications.

What does MCU do???

Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toys and other embedded systems. By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes. Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating analog components needed to control non-digital electronic systems.

Available MCUs .
PIC Atmel AVR BasicStamp IBM Motorola etc

PIC MCU family

There are number of different types of microcontrollers for many different types of applications. The most familiar to the common person are the Intel processors that run a typical desktop computer. One of the more popular and easier to use line of microcontroller products for such task oriented applications are the 8-bit PIC18 microcontrollers from Microchip, whom in 2006 have been ranked first in world-wide sales of 8-bit microcontrollers. These MCUs (Microcontroller Units) offer a great price/performance ratio and use technology that has been proven to be very reliable and easy to develop with.

Overview of the PIC18 Family of Microcontrollers

The PIC18 family of MCUs from Microchip are some of the fastest and most feature loaded 8-bit PIC MCUs on the market, with a maximum clock speed of 40 MHz and 128 kB of Flash memory These microcontrollers are small enough for many embedded applications, but also powerful enough to allow a lot of complexity and freedom in the design process of an embedded system. Microchip Technology makes it easy to begin developing with their PIC18 MCUs through their various development tools and demonstrations boards. But there are free demo board PCB designs which we can utilize.

Features of the PIC18

The typical PIC18 MCU is feature-loaded with every I/O pin connected to an internal peripheral device. Typical features include 8- and 16-bit timer modules with various features, capture/compare/PWM modules, master synchronous serial port module, universal synchronous receiver and transmitter, 10-bit analog-to-digital converter, comparator, and more [4]. All of these PIC18-wide features can be turned on or off in the program code. The I/O pins that these features run on can be alternatively be used as standard input/outputs in the design if the specific feature to those pins is not used. In addition to these common features, many of the PIC18 MCUs have other device-specific features built into them depending if the design calls for a particular type of technology. Some of the more design-specific features include

Features of the PIC18

Motor Control PWMs Full Speed USB 2.0 PSP parallel slave port Onboard LCD Controller CAN 2.0B- Is a way of communication among PCs and MCUs 10 Base-T Ethernet Given these wide-array of features, a PIC18 microcontroller is a cost-effective solution to all kinds of embedded design projects.

PIC18 Applications .
The PIC18 MCUs are widely used in everyday modern devices because of their cost and ease of development. One of the most prominent industries that make use of the PIC family of microcontrollers is the automotive industry, where PIC MCUs are used in every aspect of automotive electronics from ABS and airbags to suspension and powertrain. PIC MCUs are ideal for automotive applications because of their low-cost, reliability, ease of development, and features. Controlling external devices such as motors, LCDs, sensors, etc. are also easily accomplished with designs implemented using the PIC18 MCUs.

PIC18 Applications .
A high-performance motor controller that makes use of a PIC18 s on-board USB feature to communicate with a laptop for complex algorithm processing and to communicate with a more complex PIC motor controller The PIC18 family of MCUs also find their way into the classroom as one of the premier methods of teaching embedded design. The simple instruction set, easyto-use development tools and demonstration boards, and wide range of features make the PIC18 MCUs a popular choice among professors in universities around the world for teaching embedded design with interesting hands-on projects for students.