PIC Training System - Troper Electronic Sdn Bhd

PIC Training System

Model : PIC-6000

PIC Project Modules

Module 1 - Programmer Module with PIC programming software
Module 2 - Display Driver Module
Module 3 - Motor Control Module
Module 4 - General I/O Module
Module 5 - RS-232 Module
Module 6 - Book Project Modules for the PIC16F88

Learn the easy way.

The best place to start learning about microcontrollers is the PIC16F84 as this is easy to understand and very popular with construction projects. Then continue on using the more sophisticated features of the PIC16F877 family.

The heart of our system is a real book which lies open on your desk while you use your computer to type in the programme and control the hardware. Start by writing four very simple programmes. Run the simulator to see how they work. Test them with real hardware. Follow on with a little theory.......

Our complete PIC training system PIC-6000 consists of our universal PIC programmer module, a 298 page book covering the PIC16F84, a 280 page book introducing the PIC16F877 family, and a suite of software to run on a PC.

The programmer module serves two purposes. It is used to write our programmes into the test PIC so that we can test them in the real world, and it is used as a test bed for running the programmes. It is already wired with light emitting diodes, push button switches and an alphanumeric liquid crystal display so that most of the experiments can be performed without needing to wire up the circuits.

Experimenting with PIC Microcontrollers

This book concentrates on the PIC16F84 and PIC16C711, and is the easy way to get started for anyone who is new to PIC programming. We start with the simplest possible experiment. As we finish typing each line it is tested by the programme to ensure that it can be assembled so that errors are immediately highlighted. Then without leaving the programme we assemble the text into PIC code, and use the simulator to single step. Watching the data in the registers change solves the problems at a stroke. We see it happen and understand. Then we write the code into the test PIC and run the programme in the real world.

When we have gained some practical experience from the first four experiments we study the basic principles of PIC programming, learn about the 8 bit timer, how to drive the liquid crystal display, create a real time clock, experiment with the watchdog timer, sleep mode, beeps and music, including a rendition of Beethoven's Fur Elise. Finally there are two projects to work through, using the PIC to create a sinewave generator and investigating the power taken by domestic appliances.

The first experiment is explained over ten and a half pages so that even someone with no previous programming or electronics experience can understand the sequence. From there the pace gradually quickens. In the space of 24 experiments, two projects and 56 exercises the book works through from absolute beginner to experienced engineer level.

This book is wire bound to open flat, 240mm x 170mm, 298 pages.

Experimenting with the PIC16F877

We start with the simplest of experiments to get a basic understanding of the PIC16F877 family. Then we look at PIC programming techniques, the 16 bit timer, efficient storage and display of text messages, design a simple frequency counter, use a keypad for numbers, letters and security codes, and examine the 10 bit A/D converter.

With the second edition two new chapters were added. The PIC16F627 is introduced as a low cost PIC16F84. We use the PIC16F627 as a step up switching regulator, and to control the speed of a DC motor with maximum torque still available. Then we study how to use any PIC to switch 240 volt AC supplies using an opt isolated triac driving a high current triac.

The serial port edition released January 2004 sees the addition of one further chapter introducing the PIC's USART. We start our experimenting with direct PIC to PIC serial communication without getting into the complications of RS-232. Then we expand this to experiment with PIC to PC communication using true RS-232 levels.

This book is wire bound to open flat, 240mm x 170mm, 280 pages.

Integrated System Software :

comprising a text editor, assembler, disassembler, simulator and programming software

Our universal PIC programmer module is an advanced design using a 28 pin PIC16F870 to handle the timing, programming and voltage switching requirements. It has two ZIF sockets and an 8 pin socket which between them allow most mid range 8, 18, 28 and 40 pin PICs to be programmed. The onboard alphanumeric liquid crystal display is used by the control PIC to display system messages and can also be driven by the test PIC. A keypad and audio output socket are included on the PCB and the whole assembly is mounted on a base with an 840 socket plugboard stuck to the front section. The plugboard is powered by the switched 5 volt supply and has a current limit setting which will usually prevent damage to ICs when wiring mistakes are made.

The software is an integrated system comprising a text editor, assembler, disassembler, simulator and programming software. The programming cycle starts by writing the code to the PIC with the voltage set to 5 volts and verifying that the PIC is properly programmed. The PIC is then verified twice more at either 2 volts or 3 volts and at 5.5 volts to ensure that it is programmed correctly over its entire operating voltage. Our programmer module connects to the serial port of your PC and our software runs correctly within Windows 98, XP, NT, 2000 etc.

Ordering Information

Our programmer verifies over the full operating voltage of the PIC being written to and so meets the requirements to be classified as a production programmer. It connects to your PCs serial port, and our software runs within Windows 98, NT, 2000 XP

PIC Training System PIC-1000

Complete with :

1. Universal PIC programmer module
2. Book: Experimenting with PIC Microcontrollers
3. Book: Experimenting with the PIC16F877 (serial port edition)
4. Universal PIC software suite
5. PIC16F84 and PIC16F870 test PICs
6. 9 pin D plug to 9 pin D socket PC serial port lead
7. INCLUSIVE kit for new experiments
in Experiments with PIC16F877
8.

INCLUSIVE kit for new experiments
in Experiments with PIC16F877:-

2 off PIC16F627
3 off ultra bright white LEDs

20mA/20 deg
3 off low current red LEDs
1 off 100uH inductor
1 off 4v3 zener diode
2 off FDP6035AL MOSFET
2 off 1A schottky diodes
2 off small DC motors
2 off variable resistors
1 off optoisolated triac
1 off BTA16-600B triac
1 pack resistors each
1 pack capacitors
1 off push button switch
1 pack trimmed wire links
1 PP3 battery lead to two pins
1 battery holder 2 x AA
1 battery holder 4 x AA

New experiments in the 2nd edition of "Experimenting with the PIC16F877"

The new experiments in the 2nd edition of "Experimenting with the PIC16F877" require circuits to be built up on the plugboard. The components for these experiments are listed above on the right and are an optional extra. If this optional kit is purchased there is no soldering involved. The links are supplied cut to the correct lengths and the motors are supplied wired with connecting leads. Full point to point wiring instructions are included in the book, and the only tools needed to construct the circuits are a pair of side cutters and a pair of pointed nose pliers. Resistors are individually bagged and the other components are grouped logically so that no previous knowledge of components is needed. As well as learning about PIC programming this is also an excellent way to learn about some complex electronic circuits.

The experiment with the 3 white LEDs creates a light bright enough to be used as a torch. The brightness has to be seen to be believed!

The two experiments using the PIC16F627 to control the speed of first one and then two motors are fascinating. This PIC has two comparators built in. We are able to use these to monitor the emf so that the full torque is available even at very low speeds. The theory behind this is fully explained in the book.

The serial edition of "Experimenting with the PIC16F877" introduces serial data communication using the PICs Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART). It sounds complicated but it is actually very easy to understand. We start with PIC to PIC serial communication. To do these experiments we need two PIC circuits. One PIC is fitted in the programmer module and programmed as the master. The slave circuit can be wired in the attached plugboard but it is better to wire it in a separate plugboard as shown so the two circuits can be moved apart.

When the slave circuit is fully wired its PIC can be programmed while in the circuit by running a programming lead to the 40 pin ZIF socket as shown above.

When both PICs are programmed we connect the two circuits together using a 3 way lead and then start the tests. The master PIC should be fitted in the 40 pin ZIF socket but it was left out of this photograph!

The wiring of the slave circuit with the programming lead fitted.

The same slave circuit with the serial lead fitted.

The next stage of the serial experiments is PC to PIC communication. We start by writing a simple programme to run on your PC which sends data to the Software programmer module. This is a very simple way to understand the hardware and software needed for PC to PIC serial communication. Then we look into the complications of creating your own circuit to connect a PIC to a PC using true RS-232 levels.

When you understand the requirements you will be able to create your own circuits which connect directly to your PC without the need for our programmer module to be in the circuit. When you have done this you can choose to programme your PIC in your circuit (by running a programming lead to the programmer module) or you can unplug your PIC to programme it.

Where to go next

By the time you have worked through the experiments and worked out the answers to the questions at the end of each chapter you will have gained considerable insight into circuit and programme design for PIC microcontrollers.

When you have done that you may like to extend your study, and an excellent way to do this is with our PIC16F88 Project Modules. In the concluding chapters of the PIC training system you will have studied local speed control of motors and how to use serial communication. The PIC16F88 project modules take this further and bring these two ideas together. In the original circuit the maximum voltage that can be connected to the motor is 5 volts, and it is not possible to remotely control the motors. But the PIC16F88 Project Module motor control uses a more sophisticated circuit where the motor voltage can be anything up to 12 volts and the new software enables the motors to be remotely controlled by a PC or by another PIC circuit. Even if you have no interest in controlling motors this is a perfect way to enhance your experience of real world microcontroller circuits.

Project modules starter kit

1. Motor control module built and tested.
2. Book: Project Modules for the PIC16F88.
3. Programming adaptor to fit 24 pin ZIF socket.
4. Ten way ribbon cable.
5. Small motor wired with leads and battery connector.
6. Two cell AA battery holder.

To be able to programme the module supplied in this kit you need to own an up to date Software PIC training system.

The picture shows the motor control module controlling the speed of two motors. The bigger motor and the two full size variable resistors are not included in the starter kit. The motor supplied with the kit is fitted with a battery lead not a DC connector as shown. The example programme uses the small variable resistor mounted on the PCB to adjust the speed. The programming adaptor, programming lead and book are not shown in the picture.

The 166 page book "Project Modules for the PIC16F88" included with the starter kit covers all five project modules so you will have a head start if you later wish to purchase one of the other modules.

PICs Programmed

The universal software suite has data built in for the following PICs, and these can all be programmed using the Universal Software PIC programmer.

8 pin	18 pin	28 pin	40 pin
PIC12C671	PIC16C620	PIC16C62	PIC16C64
PIC12C672	PIC16C620A	PIC16C62A	PIC16C64A
	PIC16C621	PIC16C62B	PIC16C65
	PIC16C621A	PIC16C63	PIC16C65A
	PIC16C622	PIC16C63A	PIC16C65B
	PIC16C622A	PIC16C66	PIC16C67
	PIC16C710	PIC16C72	PIC16C74
	PIC16C71	PIC16C72A	PIC16C74A
	PIC16C711	PIC16C73	PIC16C74B
	PIC16C715	PIC16C73A	PIC16F74
	PIC16C84	PIC16C73B	PIC16C77
	PIC16F83	PIC16F73	PIC16F77
	PIC16F84	PIC16C76	PIC16F871
	PIC16F84A	PIC16F76	PIC16F874
		PIC16F870	PIC16F877
	PIC16F627	PIC16F872
	PIC16F628	PIC16F873
		PIC16F876
	PIC16F627A
	PIC16F628A	PIC16F873A	PIC16F874A
	PIC16F88	PIC16F876A	PIC16F877A

What is a PIC16F877

The PIC16F84 is the best place for a newcomer to begin learning about microcontrollers. It is easy to use and very popular with construction projects. Recently the 28 pin and 40 pin PIC16F877 family have been introduced which have all the facilities of the PIC16F84 (flash programme memory, EEPROM data memory etc) and many new exciting features including a 10 bit A/D converter, 5 volt only programming, debug facility and the ability to use the full width of the 14 bit programme memory to store data, plus all the usual features of the larger mid range PICs (22 or 33 input/output lines, 8 bit and 16 bit timers, capture and compare, USART etc), The PIC16F877 family have between 2048 and 8192 locations of 14 bit flash programme memory and between 128 and 368 bytes of data RAM. It is ideal for continuing the learning curve.

PIC Project Modules for the PIC16F88

If you have our PIC Training System Model : PIC-6000 or you are thinking of buying it, you will find the Project Modules for the PIC16F88 a very useful extension.

Optional PIC Project Modules (Now Included in PIC-6000)

Module 1 - Programmer Module with PIC programming software
Module 2 - Display Driver Module
Module 3 - Motor Control Module
Module 4 - General I/O Module
Module 5 - RS-232 Module
Module 6 - Book Project Modules for the PIC16F88

Programmer Module & Display Driver Module

In the picture the Programmer Module (top left) is connected to the Display Driver Module (bottom left). DC power and a serial lead going to a PC are connected to the Programmer Module.

Going clockwise the other three modules are RS-232 module, General I/O module and Motor control module.

Motor Control & Programmer Module

This picture shows the Motor Control Module connected to the Programmer Module. We call it the motor control module because it is wired so that the emf generated by the motor can be monitored by the microcontroller which allows the maximum torque to be available even at the slowest speeds. But there is no reason why this module is limited to driving motors. It can be used to switch DC current up to 4 amps at 12 volts for any use (mains switching relay, solenoid operated air or water valve etc).

Display Driver & Motor Driver Module

Here we have connected the Display Driver to the Motor Driver Module. We plugged in a motor and separate DC supplies for the microcontrollers and the motor.

We can use the keypad to adjust the speed of the motor.

Motor Control Module

Alternatively we can use the Motor Control Module as a self contained system as shown in this picture. Two motors and two variable resistors are connected. The motors operate independently with their speeds being set by the variable resistors.

Motor Control & RS-232 Module

Or we can connect the Motor Control Module to a PC via the RS-232 Module. If we use one Motor Control Module we can use the PC to control one or two motors (or to switch one or two very large relays). If we want to control more motors or switch a few high current relays we can use two, three or more Motor Control Modules all daisy chained into the same 10 way cable going via one RS-232 module to the PC.

Display Driver & RS-232 Module

We can also connect the Display Driver Module to a PC via the RS-232 Module. We can use the keyboard of the PC to write to the LCD or to send information to the PIC. We can use the keypad on the Display Drive Module to send information back to the PC.

Each module has with is own microcontroller, oscillator and input/output connections and will run on its own, needing only to be supplied with DC power. (Except for the RS-232 module which is used to interface modules 2, 3 or 4 to your PC).

The Motor Control Module although only 70mm by 42mm has two outputs which can each control a DC motor up to 12 volts at 4 amps continuous (or be used to switch DC for any other use such as mains switching relays). The speed of the two motors can be remotely controlled using the onboard serial port to connect directly to the Display Driver Module with its 16 character by 2 line display and keypad, or connected to your PC via the RS-232 module (40mm x 45mm). If you want to remotely control more motors or switch more relays that is no problem - daisy chain modules into the serial link and programme each of them with a unique code. The book explains how to do it.

The General I/O Module also has a serial port for daisy chaining into the same system. It has 3 CMOS or analogue inputs (connecting to the 10 bit analogue to digital converter), and two high current open drain outputs which can switch up to 2 amps at 100 volts DC for switching relays or motors, or which can be linked to on board inductors for generating step up voltages or TENS or muscle exercise waveforms.

Modules 1, 2 and 3 have a DC input socket and regulator. One input will run the whole chain.

Project Modules for the PIC16F88

This book assumes that you have some experience in electronics. We start by using the Display Driver Module on its own to flash its LEDs, to write text to its liquid crystal display, and to display numbers typed on its keypad. We use the Motor Control Module on its own to control first one then two motors. We learn about serial communication, use the Display Driver Module as a terminal to control the motors then we use our PC to control the motors. Finally we experiment with muscle stimulation and TENs waveforms using the General I/O Module.

This book is wirobound to open flat, 240mm x 170mm, 166 pages.

PIC16F88.

Choosing which PIC to use for our modules was one of the most important decisions. The modules need to be easily programmed, small and low cost, yet they must be as flexible as possible.

A few years ago the smallest PIC that suited this application had 28 pins but recently Microchip have released several new PICs with 18 pins. Of these the PIC16F88 is the best. Although it falls into the mid range category of PICs it has all the important features that we need at a very low cost......

10 bit A/D converter, USART, the ability to read from programme memory when running its programme, analogue comparators, 4096 locations of programme memory, 368 bytes of RAM, 256 bytes of EE memory and all the usual PIC features.

Software.

The PIC programming software supplied with the Programmer Module is the same as supplied with our PIC Training and Development System but we also supply library routines so that you only need to type the top lines of each programme.

The PC programming software supplied when modules 2, 3, 4 and 5 are purchased together with the book runs in a very similar way. You will be writing in assembler but again library routines are provided to allow complex routines to be easily used.

Using assembly language to write the programmes for the PIC and the PC is the easiest way to fully understand how to set up and use serial communication.