Introduction to Microcontroller and
PIC18 Family
An Overview of Microcontroller Basics and PIC18 Architecture
What is
Microcontroller ?
TYPES OF MICROCONTROLLER
Microcontroller
8051 PIC ARM
Introduction to Microcontrollers
• A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed for
embedded applications.
• Components: CPU, RAM, ROM/Flash, I/O ports, peripherals.
• Applications: Embedded systems, automotive, industrial automation,
etc.
Block Diagram of a Generic
Microcontroller
• CPU: Executes instructions
• Memory: Stores program and data
• I/O Ports: Communicates with external devices
• Timers/Counters: Event timing and control
• Interrupts: Priority-based task handling
• Serial Communication: UART, SPI, I2C
• Power & Clock: System timing and power management
Microcontroller vs. Microprocessor
Features Microcontroller Microprocessor
CPU Present Present
RAM/ROM Integrated External
I/O Ports Built-in External
Application Embedded Systems Computers
Power Consumption Low High
History of PIC Microcontrollers
• Developed by Microchip Technology
• Originally created by General Instruments (1970s)
• Evolved from simple 8-bit MCUs to modern 32-bit controllers
• Known for ease of use and robustness
Overview of PIC18 Family & Features
• 8-bit microcontrollers with high-performance RISC architecture
• Flash memory for program storage
• Extensive I/O support, ADCs, communication interfaces
• Efficient power management with low-power modes
Internal Bus Structure of PIC
Microcontroller
• Harvard Architecture: Separate memory buses
• Instruction Bus: Fetches instructions from memory
• Data Bus: Transfers data between CPU and peripherals
• Address Bus: Determines the location of data/instruction
Clock Frequency, Machine Cycle &
Instruction Cycle
• Clock Frequency: Determines microcontroller speed
• Machine Cycle: Time required for one fetch-execute cycle
• Instruction Cycle: Fetch, Decode, Execute stages
• Formula: Instruction Cycle Time = 4 / (Clock Frequency)
Features of PIC-18 Microcontroller
It is 8-bit Microcontroller.
It has 16-bit Instruction sets.
256 byte of EPROM.
2 KB SRAM.
32 KB Flash Memory.
It Operates at 40 MHz Crystal Oscillator.
It has 10-bit A/D Converter.
It supports Instruction Pipelining.
It is implemented with nano watt Technology
(low power consumption ).
PIN DIAGRAM OF PIC-18 MICROCONTROLLER
ARCHITECTURE OF PIC-18 MICROCONTROLLER
Conclusion
• Microcontrollers integrate multiple components for dedicated
applications
• PIC18 family offers powerful features for embedded applications
• Understanding structure and cycles helps optimize performance