dsPIC33 Recorder using dsPIC33FJ12GP201 with Proteus Simulation

Introduction

The dsPIC33 Recorder is a low-power microcontroller project designed to periodically record environmental data using a dsPIC33 digital signal controller. Built and tested in Proteus simulation, this project demonstrates how embedded systems can efficiently collect, process, and store sensor data over long periods.
It combines digital and analog sensing, non-volatile memory storage, and serial communication in a compact design.
This makes it an excellent practical electronics example for learning data logging, power management, and firmware structure on dsPIC devices.
The project is ideal for students and engineers exploring embedded systems, sensor interfacing, and low-power firmware design.

How the Project Works (Overview)

The system periodically wakes up from low-power sleep, measures environmental parameters, stores them in non-volatile memory, and then returns to sleep.
A timer interrupt controls the sampling interval, while an external interrupt allows a serial terminal to interrupt normal operation.
The dsPIC33 reads temperature and humidity from a digital sensor, pressure from an analog sensor, and logs the values into I²C ferroelectric memory.
All timing, memory management, and sensor handling are managed in firmware.

Block Diagram / Workflow Explanation

1. Timer1 Wake-Up

   • Low-power oscillator drives Timer1

   • dsPIC33 wakes up at a programmed interval

2. Sensor Acquisition

   • Digital temperature & humidity read via sensor interface

   • Analog pressure read using ADC with averaging

3. Data Processing

   • Raw sensor values combined into structured data

4. Non-Volatile Storage

   • Measurements written sequentially into I²C memory

   • Memory header updated with new address

5. Sleep Mode

   • MCU returns to ultra-low-power sleep until next cycle

6. User Interrupt (INT0)

   • Serial terminal can interrupt recording for commands

Key Features

• Periodic environmental data logging

• Ultra-low-power sleep operation

• Digital temperature and humidity measurement

• Analog pressure measurement with averaging

• I²C non-volatile memory storage

• Interrupt-driven command interface via serial port

• Fully simulated in Proteus VSM

Components Used

• dsPIC33FJ12GP201 – Main controller

• Digital Temperature & Humidity Sensor (SHT series)

• Analog Pressure Sensor

• I²C Ferroelectric EEPROM

• 32.768 kHz Crystal Oscillator

• UART Serial Interface

• Resistors, capacitors, and power conditioning components

Applications

• Environmental data logging

• Portable weather monitoring devices

• Battery-powered sensor nodes

• Industrial condition monitoring

• Embedded systems training and education

• Low-power data acquisition systems

Explanation of Code (High-Level)

The firmware is structured into clear functional modules:

• Initialization
  Sets oscillator, pin remapping, ADC, Timer1, UART, and interrupts.

• Interrupt Handling

  • INT0 interrupt pauses logging and processes serial commands.

  • Timer1 interrupt handles periodic data acquisition and logging.

• Sensor Functions
  Dedicated functions read pressure, temperature, and humidity.

• Memory Management
  EEPROM header tracks memory usage and configuration parameters.

• Power Management
  MCU enters sleep mode between measurements to minimize power draw.

Source Code

Download

#include "p33FJ12GP201.h"
#include "timer.h"
#include "utilities.h"
#include "analog.h"
#include "i2c_eeprom.h"
#include "SHTxx_drivers.h"
#include "serial.h"
#include "command_proc.h"
#include "common.h"

⬇ Download file

Complete Source Code

Proteus Simulation

In Proteus VSM, the recorder shows periodic wake-ups driven by Timer1.
Sensor values update during each active cycle, EEPROM addresses increment correctly, and UART communication responds immediately to external interrupts.
Power-down behavior is clearly visible as the MCU returns to sleep between samples.

Conclusion

This dsPIC33 Recorder project is a strong example of low-power embedded systems design using Proteus simulation.
It demonstrates real-world techniques such as sensor interfacing, EEPROM data logging, interrupt handling, and power optimization.
Perfect for learning and experimentation, this project provides solid hands-on experience with microcontroller projects and professional firmware structure.

Complete File

⬇ Download file

dsPIC33 Recorder using dsPIC33FJ12GP201 with Proteus Simulation