Introduction to the Microchip PIC C Programming

The PIC microcontroller is quite popular in industrial and hobbyist, some of the newest 8-bit midrange Microchip PIC microcontroller with nanoWatt technology is PIC16F690, this 20 pin microcontroller has a build in peripherals such as ADC, UART, PWM, I2C, analog comparator and with 7KBytes program memory flash; for those who’s come from the AVR background this is a good change to gain the knowledge as we know is hard to find the comparable 20 pin 8-bit AVR microcontroller product which has the same feature as Microchip PIC16F690; and for those who are the first time learner welcome to the PIC microcontroller world.Introduction to the Microchip PIC C Programming

1. Which tools should I use

To start C programming language on Microchip PIC Microcontroller you need these following tools:

  • Down load the latest Microchip MPLAB IDE which provide you with the complete IDE (integrated development environment) for managing project, program editing, compiling, debugging and downloader for all Microchip PIC Microcontroller series.
    The MPLAB IDE is already come with the HITECH PICC-Lite C compiler and fully integrated with MPLAB IDE.
  • The PIC16F690 datasheet, is one of the most important document if you want to learn this type of microcontroller
  • Microchip PICKit2 Programmer.
  • PICJazz 16F690 board from ermicro (for circuit schema click here)

After downloading, install the Microchip MPLAB IDE and just follow all the default setting.

2. My first PIC C Programming

To create your first PIC project go to Start -> All Programs -> Microchip -> MPLAB IDE ver 8.00 -> MPLAB IDE (I am using version 8.00 on this tutorial), this will launch the MPLAB IDE application screen then start the project wizard by selecting the menu Project -> Project Wizard… from MPLAB IDE and this will launch the project wizard, just continue with Next button and it will show the project wizard step one form as follow:Pic Introduction to the Microchip PIC C Programming

For more detail: Introduction to the Microchip PIC C Programming

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer with a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan University. I have written for various industries, mainly home automation and engineering. My writing style is clear and simple, and I am skilled in using infographics and diagrams. I am a great researcher and am able to present information in a well-organized and logical manner.

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