For a long time now I've been wanting to make my own microcontroller-based prototyping board. My original motivation was the unjustified high costs for even the simplest boards (a basic Arduino for $30 - why???) and the challenge of designing something that anyone can make at home within a few hours, with parts that can be cheaply obtained on eBay.
Eventually, I came up with the PICMAN. It is:
- Based on Microchip's PIC18LF4553 - a 12MIPS microcontroller with 12-bit A/D, plenty of I/O, built in USB transceiver and tons of other coolness.
- A single-layer PCB design - ideal for DIY toner-transfer etching fabrication.
- Small form-factor that nicely fits on a solderless breadboard.
- Can be powered by USB/external 5V/external 8V-35V using on-board 1.5A regulator.
- Has a reset button, a user button a power LED (blue) and 3 user LEDs (red, yellow, green).
- Needs zero external components to work.
- Programmed with a bootloader, making it possible to download a program via USB.
- Can implement any USB device using Microchip's USB stack.
- Less than $7 total with easily obtainable parts (not including shipping costs, which are usually low if not free, and assuming that some of the small parts are bought in quantities).
Some ideas that I used in the design:
- Mount the PIC at the bottom of the board, between the header pins.
- Use the copper layer for text to make it easier to locate individual pins.
- Use a mini-B USB connector for smaller form factor (than B) and availability of cables.
For more detail: PICMAN prototyping board using PIC18LF4553
Related projects
PIC18 Development Board With Ethernet and USB
In this instructable I'm going to show you how to make your own PIC18 development board that features both Ethernet and Full...
Development Boards & Kits · PIC18LF4553PIC18 Development Board with Ethernet and USB
In this instructable I'm going to show you how to make your own PIC18 development board that features both Ethernet and Full...
Development Boards & Kits · PIC18F4520Voltage Measurement with A PIC Microcontroller
Voltage Measurement with PIC Microcontroller articulates a methodical framework for facilitating analog voltage measurement using the PIC18F4520, an advanced member of Microchip’s...
Development Boards & KitsUltra-Low Power: Microcontroller Standby Current to 130uA with OPEnS Power Control Board
At the OPEnS Lab, a key focus for our projects is achieving exceptionally long battery life. This was particularly true for the...
Development Boards & KitsAn Integrated Approach to Developing Applications with Microchip PIC Microcontrollers
1. Introduction In our daily lives, a variety of devices such as telephones, household appliances, and cars incorporate "smart" electronics, typically manifested...
Development Boards & KitsMicrocontroller-Driven AC Voltage Control with Soft Start Feature
1. INTRODUCTION PWM-based AC voltage controllers find extensive application in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and high-power flexible AC transmission systems. This variable...
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...