Microchip PIC Processor

The Microchip PIC processor is a versatile and low cost single chip processor. It has been around a few years now, but this gives it the advantage that there are many sources of information and example applications on the web.

Also, as it is widely used, the more common versions (16F627, 16F628, 16F877, 16F876 etc) are frequently available on ebay, as part of development kits sold by several electronics suppliers and individually from component distributors.

Being able to get the chip easily and cheaply is only the first hurdle in experimentation with single chip processors - being able to program and reprogram the devices using minimal hardware is also a main requirement.

Fortunately, the Microchip PIC processor is available in a 'F' series that uses flash memory and can therefore be programed and re-programmed with minimal hardware and a standard PC.

Software for programming the PIC processor in assembler, C, Basic and other languages is available from several sources in free, trial and professional packages.

The free or trial packages provide enough facilities to get you started, although if you have ambitions of using the latest chips and interfacing with USB, you will want to look at the profesional languages and support.

If you are interested in using the Microchip PIC processors, these pages will take you through the systems that I use, possibly saving you a little time along the way.

Introduction
About the PIC Processor
Programing the PIC
Building Blocks
PIC Test Rig

Connecting an LCD
VoipDeskPhone
VoipDeskPhone the Software
VoipDeskPhone3 Changes for use as an Asterisk Console Phone

Cheap PIC Keypad PoundShop Clock / Alarm = Cheap Keypad

3 State LEDs

Add DRAM to a PIC
PIC Links