1 INTRODUCTION TO PICAXE SYSTEM

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1INTRODUCTION TO THE PICAXE SYSTEMrevolution copyright 2001-12 Revolution Education Lt : INTRODUCTION TO THEPICAXE SYSTEMA PIC microcontroller is oftendescribed as a computer-on-a-chip .It is an integrated circuit that containsmemory, processing units, and input/outputcircuitry in a single are purchased blank and then programmed with a specific controlprogram. Once programmed the microcontroller is build into a product to make theproduct more intelligent and easier to an example, a microwave oven may use a single microcontroller toprocess information from the keypad, display user information onthe seven segment display, and control the output devices(turntable motor, light, bell and magnetron).One microcontroller can often replace a number ofseparate parts, or even a complete electronic of the advantages of using microcontrollers in aproduct design are: increased reliability through a smaller part count reduced stock levels, as one microcontroller replacesseveral parts simplified product assembly and smaller end products greater product flexibility and adaptability since features are programmedinto the microcontroller and not built into the electronic hardware rapid product changes or development by changing the program and not theelectronic hardwareApplications that use microcontrollers include household appliances, alarm systems,medical equipment, vehicle subsystems, and electronic instrumentation.

3 INTRODUCTION TO THE PICAXE SYSTEM revolution © copyright 2001-12 Revolution Education Lt v1.2 Web: www.picaxe.com TUTORIAL 1 – THE PICAXE SYSTEM The PICAXE system consists of three main components:

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