The Art of Assembly Language Programming Using PIC® Technology: Core Fundamentals

The Art of Assembly Language Programming using PIC® Technology thoroughly covers assembly language as used in programming the PIC® Microcontroller (MCU). Using the minimal instruction set, characteristic of most PIC® products, the author elaborates on the nuances of how to execute loops. Fundamental design practices are presented based on Orr’s Structured Systems Development using four logical control structures. These control structures are presented in Flowcharting, Warnier-Orr® diagrams, State Diagrams, Pseudocode, and an extended example using SysML®. Basic math instructions of Add and Subtract are presented, along with a cursory presentation of advanced math routines provided as proven Microchip® utility Application Notes.

Appendices are provided for completeness, especially for the advanced reader, including several Instruction Sets, ASCII character sets, Decimal-Binary-Hexadecimal conversion tables, and elaboration of ten ‘Best Practices.’ Two datasheets (one complete datasheet on the 10F20x series and one partial datasheet on the 16F88x series) are also provided in the Appendices to serve as an important reference, enabling the new embedded programmer to develop familiarity with the format of datasheets and the skills needed to assess the product datasheet for proper selection of a microcontroller family for any specific project.

The Art of Assembly Language Programming Using PIC® Technology is written for an audience with a broad variety of skill levels, ranging from the absolute beginner completely new to embedded control to the embedded C programmer new to assembly language.

With this book, you will be guided through the following areas:

• Symbols and terminology used by programmers and engineers in microcontroller applications
• Programming using assembly language through examples
• Familiarity with design and development practices
• Basics of mathematical knowledge in hexadecimal
• Resources for advanced mathematical functions

Approaches to locate resources

• Teaches how to start writing simple code, e.g., PICmicro® 10FXXX and 12FXXX
• Offers unique and novel approaches on how to add your personal touch using PICmicro® ‘bread and butter’ enhanced mid-range 16FXXX and 18FXXX processors
• Teaches new coding and math knowledge to help build skillsets
• Shows how to dramatically reduce product cost by achieving 100% control
• Demonstrates how to gain optimization over C programming, reduce code space, tighten up timing loops, reduce the size of microcontrollers required, and lower overall product cost

Theresa Schousek has been a Microchip (R) Design Partner for 20 years as President, Chief Engineer, and Owner of Vital Innovations LLC. She began her work with computers in 1983 with a Commodore (R) 64. Prior to working as an independent design consultant, she worked for nearly 10 years in the automotive industry for General Motors Delphi Delco Electronics. She thrives on innovative design and has three process and sensor patented designs, plus one international patent. She is the sole inventor of General Motor's first infant seat and occupant detection system to inhibit airbag deployment. This system, and its derivatives, have 223 citations and is currently in production, 22 years later.

Theresa earned a BSCEE from Purdue University, a dual accredited degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. She earned a Master of Business Administration, with a practicum in operational process design, from University of Wisconsin, River Falls, in 2011.