learn Microcontrollers

[Nipuna]

Help me to learn Microcontrollers step by step.
Thanks.

[Neo]

See following pages.

Introduction to Microcontrollers

PIC16F84 Tutorial

There are lots if interesting articles about connecting devices to microcontrollers in this section.

If you are going to start microcontrollers, you may start with PIC16F877 (This is about Rs. 500).
All the accessories required will cost you another Rs. 200 - 300.
You also need a PIC programmer which will cost you Rs. 800. The required software can be found free on the internet.
We can help you further on making a small microcontroller system to control few LEDs as a start project as a help.
(Note that ROBOT.LK has no intention to earn money so we limit our help for guidance through this forum)

I welcome you to the world of Embedded systems

[Nipuna]

Thaks

[Magneto]

Hi Nipuna ,

It is better to think to learn about microcontrollers. Nowadays , you can replace large electronic circuits with a
small microcontroller. And other advantage is if you want to change some thing , you do not want to change the components and wiring of the circuit. You can change it very easily , by changing the program.

But before going to learn about microcontrolles , I think it is better to have some background knowledge about some areas ,. So can you answer for the below questions please ? Then I can advice you correctly , according to your current background.

(1) Have you done any course in computer programming ?
(2) Have you done any course in electronics , which cover digital electronics?
(3) How about your knowledge about digital electronics ?
(4) Have you any hands on experience of circuit design and fabrication ?
(5) How about your mathematics knowledge ? ( Have you done mathematics for advance level ) ?


Thanks

[Nipuna]

1. no
2.no
3. i know a bit. i know 3 gates
4.i have made some simple circuits.
5.i did mathematics for O/L and i have a B pass. I am doing commerce for A/L

Thanks for helping me.

[Magneto]

Dear Friend ,

I think it is better to familar with computer programming first, as you have to write the programe into a
microcontroller using some computer language. I think it is better to start learning 'C' Language.
as a beginner you do not want to have in depth knowlege about C language. But you must have to learn some
basics.

As you have done some simple electronics circuits , then you can program a microcontroller and make some
circuit from it.

As a example you can make a simple knight rider circuit. Here you do not want a counter IC like HEF4017,
if you use a microcontroller. By using a simple "for loop" in C language you can make a knight rider circuit with a
microcontroller

Thanks

[Neo]

Magneto, Is it possible for us to provide him a schematic of a knight rider circuit preferably on PIC 16F8777A with the programme and steps required to program the chip to real working unit. Please include the required items to buy and the tools that we can provide, etc... Please suggest a good programming unit as well and where to buy, etc...
This will give the guys a great start.

[Nipuna]

Thanks
I know a little bit of c.

[Magneto]

Ok Friend ,

Then shall we make a small cirucuit like a knigt rider circuit ? Shall I send you the tool list ?

Thanks

[Neo]

Nipuna,
If you are interested on your first microcontroller project let us know. Having a start with a small project will increase your enthusiasm on this.

Magneto,
Shall we put up a new article covering the following topics (As you discussed with me and Cyclops few months back).
1. Required components (16F877, 4 MHz oscillator, Regulator, etc...)
2. Required RS232 Microcontroller programming unit
3. C/ASM IDE for PIC (MPLAB), compiler (Hi-TECH) and Reflashing software (WinPic)
4. Circuit Diagram
5. Well commented C code for knight rider circuit
6. Putting it all together

I'm sure this will be very helpful for young people who are willing to start embedded systems.