Summary of pic12f675 Microcontroller 8-PIN PONG
This article describes a minimalist Pong game built using a PIC12F675 microcontroller. By leveraging the chip's internal 4MHz clock and wide voltage range, external components like crystal oscillators and voltage regulators are eliminated to reduce size and cost. The design utilizes Commodore 64-style paddles for controls, with firing buttons acting as power and reset switches. A low-power sleep mode further minimizes energy consumption, allowing the system to run on battery power efficiently.
Parts used in the PIC12F675 Microcontroller 8-PIN PONG:
- 1x PIC12F675
- 1x 100 nF capacitor
- 1x 100 kohm resistor
- 2x 10 kohm resistors
- 1x 220 ohm resistor
- 1x 560 ohm resistor
- 1x 9P male D-connector for Commodore 64 paddles
- 1x RCA female connector for video output
- 1x 2xAA or 2xAAA battery case
This project is based on ideas from Rickard’s electronic projects page and David B. Thomas VCR Pong. However, I have developed the simplicity even further, eliminating most of the external components. Using microcontrollers with internal 4MHz clock generator there is no need for the xtal. The 12f675 part also operates on wide voltage range, and the regulator can be removed.
For game controller, I plan on using the old Commodore 64 style paddless. They include firing buttons, which I plan on using as power switch and game reset. 16F675 has a low power sleep mode with 1nA current consumption, so I plan on using that to switch off.
Hardware
I think this schematic diagram tells you all. Note that the power to paddle resistors comes from an output pin, so that current can be switched off also in sleep state.
Prototype board still has redundancy, but is already quite impressive for a ‘video game system’.
Parts list:
1x PIC12F675 1x 100 nF 1x 100 kohm 2x 10 kohm 1x 220 ohm 1x 560 ohm 1x 9P male D-connector for Commodore 64 paddles 1x RCA female for video output 1x 2xAA or 2xAAA battery case
For more Detail: pic12f675 Microcontroller 8-PIN PONG
- How does this project eliminate the need for an external crystal?
The microcontrollers use an internal 4MHz clock generator, removing the requirement for an xtal. - Can the voltage regulator be removed from this circuit?
Yes, because the 12f675 part operates on a wide voltage range, the regulator can be omitted. - What type of game controllers are planned for this project?
The project plans to use old Commodore 64 style paddles that include firing buttons. - How are the firing buttons utilized in this design?
The firing buttons are planned to function as the power switch and game reset. - What is the current consumption in sleep mode?
The 16F675 has a low power sleep mode with 1nA current consumption. - How is power managed to the paddle resistors?
Power to the paddle resistors comes from an output pin so it can be switched off during sleep state. - What kind of battery case is required for this project?
A 2xAA or 2xAAA battery case is used to power the device.
