PIC Microcontroller Interfacing Course

Lesson 1 • Instruction Set and Execution Cycles

Introduces the reduced instruction set, addressing modes, and cycle counts. Accurate timing calculations depend on mastering these fundamentals.

Lesson 2 • Introduction to PIC Microcontrollers

Covers PIC family variants, naming conventions, and application domains. Establishes context for all subsequent hardware and software topics in the course.

Lesson 3 • Internal Architecture and CPU Core

Examines the Harvard architecture, ALU, working register, and pipeline stages. Connects CPU internals to instruction execution timing covered later.

Lesson 4 • Configuration Bits and Device Settings

Explains oscillator selection, watchdog timer, code protection, and brown-out reset bits. Correct configuration prevents common hardware bring-up failures.

Lesson 1 • Creating and Managing Projects

Demonstrates project creation wizards, file organisation, and build configurations. Structured projects reduce errors and simplify team collaboration.

Lesson 2 • Installing and Configuring the IDE

Guides installation of MPLAB X IDE, plugin management, and workspace layout. A properly configured IDE is the foundation for all coding and simulation tasks.

Lesson 3 • Compiler and Toolchain Setup

Covers XC8, XC16, and XC32 compiler installation, licensing, and optimisation levels. Correct toolchain selection ensures code compiles for the target device.

Lesson 1 • Configuring General-Purpose I/O Ports

Covers TRIS, LAT, and PORT registers for input and output control. Proper GPIO setup is required before any peripheral or sensor interface can function.

Lesson 2 • Interrupt Architecture and Priority Levels

Details the interrupt vector table, global enable bits, and high/low priority levels. Interrupt architecture knowledge is essential for all real-time firmware designs.

Lesson 3 • Writing and Testing Interrupt Service Routines

Demonstrates ISR coding patterns, latency measurement, and re-entrancy concerns. Tested ISRs form the backbone of event-driven project architectures.

Lesson 4 • Simulating GPIO and Timer Behaviour

Uses stimulus files and logic analyser views to verify GPIO and timer operation. Simulation validation reduces hardware debugging time in later projects.

Lesson 1 • Signal Conditioning Fundamentals

Covers voltage dividers, filtering, and input protection for analog signals. Proper conditioning ensures the ADC receives clean, in-range signals.

Lesson 2 • Analog Comparator Module

Introduces comparator configuration, reference sources, and output routing. Comparators enable threshold detection without consuming ADC resources.

Lesson 3 • ADC Sampling Techniques and Timing

Explains polling vs. interrupt-driven conversion, channel multiplexing, and oversampling. Proper sampling technique directly affects measurement accuracy.

Lesson 4 • ADC Module Architecture and Registers

Covers ADC resolution, reference voltage selection, and acquisition time registers. Understanding ADC internals prevents sampling errors in sensor applications.

Lesson 1 • UART Asynchronous Communication

Configures baud rate, frame format, and EUSART registers for serial data transfer. UART is the most common debug and host-communication interface in embedded systems.

Lesson 2 • I2C Two-Wire Interface

Explains I2C addressing, start/stop conditions, ACK/NACK handling, and clock stretching. I2C supports multi-device buses common in sensor and display applications.

Lesson 3 • SPI Synchronous Serial Interface

Covers SPI master/slave modes, clock polarity, phase settings, and data framing. SPI knowledge enables interfacing with sensors, displays, and memory devices.

Lesson 4 • Protocol Simulation and Virtual Terminals

Uses MPLAB X virtual serial terminals and Proteus virtual instruments to verify protocol behaviour. Simulation catches framing and timing errors before hardware assembly.

Lesson 1 • DC Motor and Servo Control Projects

Applies PWM to drive H-bridge circuits for DC motors and position servos. Project-based practice consolidates PWM theory into functional motor control firmware.

Lesson 2 • Input Capture for Frequency Measurement

Demonstrates capture mode for measuring pulse width and frequency of external signals. Capture-based measurement is used in tachometers and ultrasonic ranging.

Lesson 3 • Simulating PWM in Proteus

Uses Proteus oscilloscope and motor models to verify PWM waveforms and motor response. Simulation validates control logic before connecting physical actuators.

Lesson 4 • PWM Signal Generation and Duty Cycle

Covers PWM period, duty cycle registers, and resolution trade-offs. Precise duty cycle control is the foundation of motor speed and LED dimming applications.

Lesson 1 • Co-Simulation Debugging Workflow

Combines MPLAB X source-level debugging with Proteus circuit simulation simultaneously. Co-simulation dramatically reduces the debug cycle for complex embedded projects.

Lesson 2 • Multi-Component System Simulation

Integrates LCD displays, keypads, sensors, and actuators into a single Proteus project. Multi-component simulation mirrors real product complexity and exposes integration bugs.

Lesson 3 • Loading Firmware into Proteus Models

Explains hex file generation, PIC model properties, and clock configuration in Proteus. Correct firmware loading ensures simulation matches intended hardware behaviour.

Lesson 4 • Proteus Schematic Capture Essentials

Covers component placement, wiring, net labels, and power rails in Proteus ISIS. A correct schematic is the prerequisite for any meaningful circuit simulation.

Lesson 1 • Programming Hardware and Programmers

Covers PICkit, ICD, and SNAP programmer connections, ICSP protocol, and programming voltage. Correct programmer setup is the first step in bringing simulated designs to life.

Lesson 2 • Capstone Project: Sensor Data Logger

Builds a complete ADC-based data logger with UART output and EEPROM storage on hardware. This project integrates ADC, UART, EEPROM, and timer skills from all prior chapters.

Lesson 3 • Capstone Project: Motor Control System

Implements closed-loop DC motor speed control using PWM output and encoder input capture. Demonstrates mastery of CCP, interrupts, and real-time control on physical hardware.

Lesson 4 • PCB Prototyping and Breadboard Techniques

Demonstrates breadboard layout, decoupling capacitor placement, and signal integrity practices. Good prototyping habits prevent noise-induced failures in hardware testing.