The C programming Tutorial Course:


"This unique C Programming Course
Gives You The Knowledge
To Create
Fully Working Projects Truly Easily"

  • You don't need to know anything about C to use this course.
  • It takes you through each step from designing a C program to burning it into the microcontroller.
  • You will quickly and easily learn practical C programming for your own projects.
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This PIC Microcontroller C programming tutorial course covers the fundamental operations for all mid range PIC microcontrollers so you will be able to make your own C programs for PIC microcontrollers.

Since the C language is also standardized by ANSI you will be learning 'real' C programming methods that you can use anywhere - not just for microcontrollers.

C Programming Tutorial Course Information
C Programming Tutorial:
module summary

 C Programming Tutorial:
module details
C Programming Tutorial:
View 1st project and BOM


The other day I had a query about how much content there is in the course so just to show you that the course has substance here are some statistics about the course and the reference manual.  

I loaded the on line course into the Word and found the following:

Online Course size 28230 Words 114 Pages 
Reference manual 16211 Words  64 Pages
Total 44441 Words 178 Pages

Even though I write with a concise style the course does have substance.

Visit this page to setup hardware and software for the course.

How does the course work?

The course is an incremental course delivered in stages so that you don't have to learn too much all at once and there are two aspects to the course; theory and practical.  

Theory and practical

The theoretical part of the course shows you how to use the C language while the practical aspect shows you how to use the theoretical C running examples of the theory on real hardware.

Programming

It uses ICSP (In Circuit Serial Programming) to program the microcontroller while it is still in circuit and an advanced C compiler to translate the source code into the hex output file.

Projects

The C programming tutorial is structured around two projects which you build and add to in each course module (see below for the project outlines).   Each course module focuses on different C theory and you then build the next part of the project to demonstrate that C theory.

Learning

This lets you progressively learn different aspects of C programming. Since the course is progressive the first program starts off very small with only 17 lines of code and ends up with 150 lines (still not big, but big enough to demonstrate different C programming concepts).

In addition there is also a reference manual ebook that accompanies the course which covers details of C syntax - this gives a useful guide to relevant C language for the PIC microcontroller.  

Projects in the C programming tutorial:

First Project

The first project is a simple LED dice roller - it's actually a very good starting project as it covers the basic input and output operation of a microcontroller i.e. sending outputs to a port (the LEDs) and reading data from a port (a key press).

Second Project

The second one is more advanced using the ADC and a few helper chips to create an I-V curve tracer.  This one is actually a useful tool to have around and it shows how you can:
  • Create and control a more complex circuit.
  • Use a PWM to generate analogue output voltages.
  • Communicate using with the PC using RS232.
  • Write some PC software to display the RS232 data.

Assumptions about the C Programming Tutorial course: 

You should be able to :
  • Read an electrical schematic.
  • Construct and solder and electronic circuit (or use solderless breadboard).

Requirements for the C Programming Tutorial Course:

The PIC microcontroller for this C programming tutorial is the 16F88.  Now you could ask why not use a 16F877 or 16F877A or even a 18F series part? ...

 ... and the answer is that you could ... but the 16F877 has no internal oscillator or internal reset circuit making it (slightly) more difficult to set up and use.  The 18F series parts are optimized for C programming but are more expensive and a bit overwhelming - there is plenty to learn in just using the 16F88 so this course uses a 16F88.  

Note: If you really want to use another part then thats ok all you do is recompile the source files for the part you are using but at the moment the files are ready for direct programming into a 16F88.

Hardware you need for the C Programming Tutorial Course:

  • A PC running windows (with a serial port).
  • A PIC Programmer.
  • The target board (your project circuit).
  • D.C. Wall power units as required for programmer and board.
  • Components for building the circuits (see link at top of page for project circuit and BOM (parts list)).
Note: You can build this pic programmer if you don't have one.
Note: If you don't have a serial port use a USB to serial port adapter.


  Best Microcontroller projects.