Learning the assembler language is one of the essential skills that still required in the embedded system, although the major drawback using the assembler language is; its required more learning curve time compared to the higher level language but once you acquainted with one type of microcontroller family such as 8-bit 8 pins Microchip PIC 12F683 then coding with assembly language to other type of PIC microcontroller families will be much easier. I’m choosing the PIC 12F683 type because it’s one of the best 8 pins Microchip PIC microcontroller with nanoWatt technology and supporting advanced peripherals such as 8-bit/16-bit TIMER, ADC (Analog Digital Converter), PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and Comparator with 2K word of flash.
We often hear that one of the reasons we are still coding in the assembly language is the speed and the small HEX code result, but this is not usually true, because some of high optimized industrial standard C compiler can produced more compact code than the average assembler programmer can do for some simple “if” condition statement. Therefore I will add one more important reason why we have to code in assembler language; …we are forced to use the assembly language because most of the average hobbyist could not effort to buy the industrial standard compiler for their project which use a microcontroller type that is not supported or limited supported (e.g. program size limit) by the higher level language free edition compiler; on the contrary all the microcontroller’s manufacture will certainly provide free assembler language compiler that support all of their product types.
But hey… let’s look at the bright side, we are going to learn the core of microcontroller language which gives us more deep understanding of how the microcontroller really works. So before we start with the exciting lessons, I would suggest that you could read the article Beginners AVR Assembler Language Programming 1 posted on this blog for some introduction to what is the assembler language. For the purpose of this tutorial I will assume that you are already familiar with higher level programming language such as C language.
Typical Microcontroller’s based project cycle is shown on the above picture, we will use this simple cycle for practicing our Microchip PIC assembly language skill through various experiments. Ok now let’s take a look at the circuit design for this tutorial:
The Microchip PIC 12F683 has 6 general purpose I/O; GP0 to GP5, the above circuit is suitable for learning such as simple digital I/O up to the advanced topics such as using the PIC 12F683 ADC and PWM peripherals.
The Shopping Bag
For this tutorial you will need this following hardware and software:
1. Microchip PIC 12F683 PDIP microcontroller with the datasheet downloaded from Microchip site (www.microchip.com)
2. One breadboard or prototype board with an adequate amount of jumper
3. ¼ Watt resistor: 1K (2), 10K (1), 330 (1), 10K Trimport (1)
4. Capacitor: 100nF (1), 10nF (1)
5. One 3mm LED (Light Emitting Diode)
6. One 5 Volt regulated power supply or you could use 3 AA/AAA size alkaline battery for the project power source
7. Microchip PICKit2 programmer for downloading the HEX code
8. Microchip MPLAB IDE for coding, debugging and compiling the code; downloaded from Microchip site.
For more detail: Introduction to Microchip PIC Assembler Language – Part 1
About The Author
Ibrar Ayyub
I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.
Follow Us:LinkedinTwitter