AndyS said:
Andy writes:
I like the PIC 16F84 . It is cheap, has a 20mhz clock, and
draws
about 5 mils --- costs about 5 bucks... Has on-board EEprom
memory and versatile built-in I/O . I've used it in several ham
projects...
Lots of PIC versions are available, and there are development
kits and programmers for sale very cheap.
Many have built-in A/D converters.
Also, a BASIC compiler is available....
It isn't the fanciest one, but for one-chip applications it does a
fine job. Just google up some info on it and plan to spend a
week or so learning to program it. It has a simple machine
instruction set. And a simple BASIC instruction set for the
BASIC compiler.....
Good Luck,
Andy W4OAH
I am doing a project with the PIC16F684, which I think is similar to the
F84, but it has a built-in PWM that can be configured as a four-channel
H-bridge system. It is in a 14 pin DIP package, and can be programmed using
the PICkit1, which is about $30.
My project is a boost converter using a switched inductor to generate 800
mA at up to 50 VDC, from a 12 VDC source. I have simulated it using LTspice
(Switcher CAD), and I was able to get up to 90% efficiency. I will be
breadboarding a prototype soon. The design is scaleable to almost any
voltage and power level. If you use this PIC, I can help you with source
code and debugging, but I am using assembly code.
I also have a project on the back burner for a three phase low voltage
motor controller, for which I will use a higher level PIC such as the
PIC18F2331 and the like, which have six or more PWM modules. I have a C
compiler for the 18F series that I might use, although I find
well-documented assembly code is fine for low-level stuff. For higher-end
projects a debugger like the ICD2 is a good investment at about $150.
Good luck, and be careful
Paul