MCU Examples.com
PIC Microcontroller Project Examples, free source codes and resources collection.

 

Software requirements for program PICs

 

In order to use PIC Microcontrollers we need several types of computer software. These software are,

1. Development interface or IDE.

2. Compiler or Assembler and Linker.

3. Programmer to burn developed firmware in to PIC.

 

1. Development interface or IDE.

This is the development environment for writing our source code. Development environment makes firmware development easy by introducing convenient work space to developer. It helps to manage source code files and highlights comments, keywords etc.

Example IDEs are Microchip MPLAB IDE and IAR Embedded workbench.

To start with PICs, first download MPLAB IDE v8.40 Full Release Zipped Installation. (This is current version as of 28th November 2009, and you can download latest release always from microchip's website.

Then you have to install MPLAB IDE in your computer as usual way you install any other program. During installation just accept defaults and install program.

2. Compiler

Compiler and linker converts our source code in to HEX code which is burned in to PIC microcontroller chip. Examples are Microchip Assembler, Microchip C and IAR C.

Although Assembly language for PIC has free assembler from Microchip, here we are going to use MPLAB C demo version. This is good way to start developing firmware to Microchip PICs easily and fast.

Download MPLAB C for PIC18 v3.34 Standard-Eval Version

You need to register in Microchip website to download this evaluation version and registration is free.

 

 

3. Programmer to burn developed firmware in to PIC

This software used to transfer our HEX code in to PIC Microcontroller chip. Examples are IC-Prog, MPLAB (built in).

IC-Prog is great software for this purpose. you can downlaod it from IC-Prog Software 1.06B Multi-Lingual directly from IC-Prog website. You aso need to download IC-Prog NT/2000 driver from same location.

When you download this IC-Prog program and driver, you have to unzip them to a single folder you like. Then it would look line following,

Next when you double click on ic-prog.exe for first time to run it, ic-prog will complain about privileged instruction as following.

Just click OK and go ahead. This is because we havent still installed driver fro IC-Prog.

Next go to Settings->Options menu from IC-Progs main window and select Misc tab. Then you will see following.

At this dialog, click on Enable NT/2000/XP driver check box to select that option and press OK button. and accept instructions in next two messages by clicking YES/OK.

After this step IC prog should work fine.