Getting started with PIC Microcontroller Programming

What is a PIC Microcontroller? PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) is a microcontroller family developed by the Microchip Technology. It plays important role in embedded systems.

Low cost, serial programming capability, reprogramming of the flash memory, availability of free developing tools, large user database, etc. are some of the PIC microcontroller features which make it a best microcontroller.

How to program a pic microcontroller? PIC microcontroller programming is easy with C language. Mikro C is simple C compiler for this Microchip microcontroller.

PIC In System Programmer (ISP) is an essential circuit to flash the memory of microcontroller. This article deals about PIC microcontroller, compiler Mikro C and USB PIC programmer circuit. We are planned to provide an online PIC microcontroller training course via CircuitsGallery.com.

How to Develop Your Own PIC Program

Here is step by step procedure to develop a PIC program and the embedding (burning) the program to the flash memory of PIC.
To start PIC fundamentals you need the following tools
  • Mikro C pro for PIC
  • PIC Programmer

What is Mikro C?

Mikro C PRO for PIC is a full-featured ANSI C compiler for PIC microcontrollers. It is the best solution for building up code for PIC.
Mikro C Compiler
It features intuitive IDE, powerful compiler with advanced optimizations, lots of hardware and software libraries, and additional tools that will help you in your PIC work environment.

It arises with complete Help file and lots of embedded program examples intended to get you started.

PIC Programmer

To burn the program code to the memory of Micro controller you need PIC ISP (In System Programmer). Circuits Gallery already posted one power full USB programmer for PIC family of micro controllers.
USB PIC Programmer circuit
The C program code converted to Hex file by Mikro C and the Hex file should be loaded to the Microcontroller flash in order to start working. For this purpose we are using USB PIC programmer.

Steps behind Burning of a PIC Microcontroller

Below block diagram shows the flow of a C program in to the micro controller’s memory.
PIC Programming Steps
  • 1st we are writing the C program codes in the editor panel of Mikro C. 
  • Next step is converting this C codes to HEX file or Machine language file. Mikro C compiler does this job. 
  • Later this HEX file downloaded to the memory of PIC micro-controller using PIC programmer.

Basic PIC Connection Circuits

Below figure shows the basic connection diagram of PIC Microcontroller.
PIC Basic Connection circuit

Mikro C guide

Write embedded C program and Build .HEX file using Mikro C:
This embedded C guides contains whatever you need to know about PIC programming. We explained almost everything related to Mikro C and Flashing of controller.

Keep visiting Circuits Gallery for online pic microcontroller courses and program guides.
See our simple PIC Programs below:

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