Lab 2: Basic digital input and output

Since the switch is connected to RC1, this port pin must be defined as input. This is done by setting the corresponding bit in the TRISC register. Again, don’t forget to disable the comparators and ADC channels. The code for this experiment is provided below. You should compile it with the MikroC compiler and load the output hex file inside the PICMicro. The MikroC compiler has an in-built library routine (named Button) for reading digital inputs from push button switches. The syntax is,

Debouncing a switchWhen a mechanical switch (like a push button) is pressed or released to make or break an electrical contact, the switch tends to make multiple transitions between ‘open’ and ‘close’ before coming to the stable final state. This is called switch bounce and this activity may go on for tens of milliseconds. We cannot see this bouncing but a microcontroller is relatively fast as compared to the action of the switch, and is, therefore, able to recognize this as multiple button presses and respond accordingly. Therefore, the switch must be debounced before it’s status is read by a microcontroller. Debouncing circuits require extra hardware and thus raises the cost of the embedded system. The easiest solution is to implement debouncing in software. The simplest logic is to wait for a few milliseconds (5-20 ms) after the key press or release is detected, and read the final state of the switch again to make sure it is a valid button press or release.