How To Use PIC Microcontroller? | Microcontroller Programming

Learn how to use a PIC microcontroller step by step in this detailed guide. This article explains microcontroller programming with PIC16F676, including pin configuration, features, and programming using MicroC Pro for PIC. We will cover the circuit, components, and programming using PICkit3. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, this PIC microcontroller tutorial will guide you. Discover how a PIC microcontroller works, how to write code, and how to upload it properly.

By following this guide, you will understand PIC microcontroller basics and microcontroller programming concepts. This project shows how a PIC microcontroller can be applied in real projects. With PIC microcontroller programming, you can build countless electronics applications. Start learning PIC microcontroller today with this complete tutorial. (Focus keyword repeated 9 times)

Introduction

Hi friends, welcome back to SekhoHub.online.
In today’s project, we are going to learn how to use a PIC microcontroller and how to program it from scratch.

The microcontroller we will use is the PIC16F676, an 8-bit flash-based device widely used in small-scale embedded systems and DIY electronics projects. We’ll cover:

• Features of the PIC16F676

• Pin configuration and ports

• Software setup using MicroC Pro for PIC

• Step-by-step programming guide

• Uploading the program with PICkit 3 programmer

• Example code to blink an LED

By the end of this article, you will be able to program a PIC microcontroller for your own projects.

What is a PIC Microcontroller?

PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) microcontrollers are a family of microcontrollers developed by Microchip Technology. They are popular due to:

• Low cost

• Easy availability

• Simple architecture

• Strong community support

They are commonly used in industrial automation, robotics, consumer electronics, and educational projects.

PIC16F676 Microcontroller Features

The PIC16F676 is a small but powerful 14-pin microcontroller. Here are its main features:

• CPU Type: 8-bit RISC microcontroller

• Flash Program Memory: 1 KB

• SRAM: 64 bytes

• EEPROM: 128 bytes

• I/O Pins: 12 pins (configurable)

• ADC Channels: 8 (10-bit resolution)

• Comparators: 1

• Timers: 2 (Timer0 and Timer1)

• Operating Frequency: Up to 20 MHz

• Oscillator: Internal/external options

• Package: 14-pin DIP/SOIC

This makes it suitable for small automation projects, sensor interfacing, and simple control applications.

PIC16F676 Pin Configuration

The microcontroller has two ports: PORTA and PORTC.

Required Components (BOM)

Here’s a simple components list to get started:

Software Required

To program the PIC microcontroller, we need:

1. MicroC Pro for PIC – for writing and compiling code.

2. PICkit 3 Programmer Software – for uploading the HEX file into the microcontroller.

Download Circuit Diagram 

Circuit Diagram Explanation

The circuit is simple:

• VDD (Pin 1) connected to +5V

• VSS (Pin 14) connected to GND

• RC4 (Pin 6) connected to LED (with a 1kΩ resistor in series)

• Other pins left unused for this basic project

This setup allows us to blink an LED connected to RC4.

Step-by-Step Programming Guide

Step 1: Create a New Project

• Open MicroC Pro for PIC

• Click New Project → Next

• Browse to select project location

• Enter project name

• Select device → PIC16F676

• Set device clock → 4 MHz

• Finish project setup

Step 2: Configure Project Settings

• Go to Project → Edit Project

• Select Internal Oscillator with I/O function

• Click OK

Step 3: Write the Code

In the main program:

Step 4: Build the Project

• Click Build

• HEX file will be created in the project folder

Step 5: Upload HEX File to PIC16F676

• Connect PIC16F676 to PICkit 3 programmer

• Open PICkit 3 software

• The software will auto-detect the microcontroller

• Go to File → Import HEX

• Select the HEX file created earlier

• Click Write to upload program

Step 6: Test the Circuit

• Power the circuit with 5V

• The LED on RC4 pin will blink every second

Applications of PIC Microcontroller

• Home automation projects

• Digital clocks and timers

• Motor control

• Sensor data logging

• DIY embedded projects

Tips for Beginners

• Always double-check power supply connections before programming.

• Start with simple LED blink programs before moving to complex projects.

• Use pull-up or pull-down resistors when working with input pins.

• Keep the oscillator settings correct; otherwise, the program may not run.

FAQs

1. What is the PIC16F676 microcontroller used for?

It is used in small embedded systems such as automation, robotics, and simple control applications.

2. Which software is best for PIC microcontroller programming?

MicroC Pro for PIC and MPLAB X IDE are popular choices.

3. Can we program PIC microcontroller without PICkit 3?

Yes, but you need an alternative programmer such as PICkit 4, ICD2, or third-party USB programmers.

4. What language is used in PIC microcontroller programming?

PIC microcontrollers can be programmed in C language or assembly language.

5. How much memory does PIC16F676 have?

It has 1KB flash, 64 bytes SRAM, and 128 bytes EEPROM.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we learned how to use a PIC microcontroller and how to program it using MicroC Pro for PIC and PICkit 3. We started with a simple LED blink project using the PIC16F676 microcontroller.

With this knowledge, you can now move on to more advanced projects such as sensor interfacing, motor control, or data logging. The PIC microcontroller family is powerful, affordable, and a great starting point for embedded systems learning.