To the un-initiated, the term "embedded programming" sounds
a bit intimidating. Even if you're already a bit of a computer programmer,
the added factor of building your own hardware adds another
intimidating layer of mystery.
The truth is - it's not really all the complicated if you take it one
step at a time. Simple software/hardware applications don't require
all that much electronics and programming knowledge to get started.
In fact - with some of today's very-available and very-cheap (literally
a couple of dollars) microcontrollers, it is possible to build the most
ridiculously trivial applications as an introduction into the field.
So what exactly do you need to say - build an LED blinker
(the microcontroller equivalent of a "hello world" program)?
You need:
1. a microcontroller (MCU).
2. a cross compiler to compile code written on your computer to the
MCU's machine format.
3. a programmer, to upload the machine code to the MCU's RAM.
4. a prototyping breadboard and minimal electronic components to construct
the hardware.
The rest of this section will simply detail those 4 items. NOTE
- I put all this stuff in a convenient
kit for you. : )
1. The MCU - ~$2 - $6 each
This site focuses on the PIC series of MCU's produced by Microchip.
Why?
- Development IDE/assembly language compiler is free from Microchip.
There are also a wide variety of free and commercial compilers for
other popular high-level languages available.
- There is an enormous variety of "flavors" to choose
from in the PIC series, each with different combinations of capabilities
and memory.
- There is a huge support infrastructure - from other online hobbyists
to the Microchip website's user forums.
- PIC's are cheap! - and widely available. Any major electronics
components supply will generally carry a largely varied stock.
2. The IDE - free
Microchip starts you right off with a free assembly compiler and
IDE software, downloadable from their website. As you progress, there
are many other tools available - commercial and free - for compiling
from other languages.
3. The Programmer - > $65
This is the primary expense when getting started. The programmer
connects to your computer through a serial or usb port, and includes
software to upload your compiled program to the PIC's memory. I only
have experience with one, the PIC-K128
- and it has performed flawlessly and without hassle. The current
price is $65 US.
4. Hardware - ~$45
You'll want at least a prototyping breadboard and wire kit, and a
small selection of basic components (resistors, capacitors, transistors,
LED's, etc), a 2-cell AA battery holder (or a 9V with a voltage regulator).
And that's it. For a little more than $110.00 you have everything you
need to get started!
top