Page 134 - Robots Androids and Animatrons : 12 Incredible Projects You Can Build

6.14 Hex file loaded into EPIC program

the microcontroller is not blank, you are given the options to cancel
the operation or overwrite the existing program with the new pro-
gram. If there is an existing program in the PIC chip’s memory, write 113
over it. The machine language code lines are highlighted as the PIC
is programmed. When it is finished, the microcontroller is pro-
grammed and ready to run.
Testing the PIC microcontroller

The schematic shows how minimal is the number of components
needed to get your microcontroller up and running. Primarily
you need a pull-up resistor on pin 4 (MCLR), a 4-megahertz
(MHz) crystal with two [22-picofarad (pF)] capacitors, and a 5V
power supply.
The two LEDs and the two current-limiting resistors connected in
series with the LEDs are the output. It allows us to see that the
microcontroller and program are functioning. Assemble the com-
ponents as shown in the schematic of Fig. 6.15 on the solderless
breadboard. When you are finished, your work should appear as in
Fig. 6.16.

While the specifications sheet on the 16F84 states the microcon-
troller will operate on voltages from 2V to 6V, I provided a regulated
5V power supply for the circuit. The regulated power supply consists
of a 7805 voltage regulator and two filter capacitors.

Team LRN Intelligence