The Art of Assembly Language Programming Using PIC® Technology: Core Fundamentals by Theresa Schousek provides a comprehensive guide for both beginners and advanced practitioners in embedded control systems. The book covers assembly language programming specifically tailored to the PIC® Microcontroller (MCU), focusing on its minimal instruction set. It delves into executing loops, presenting fundamental design practices based on Orr’s Structured Systems Development using four logical control structures: Flowcharting, Warnier-Orr® diagrams, State Diagrams, Pseudocode, and an extended example using SysML®. Basic math instructions such as Add and Subtract are introduced alongside a brief overview of advanced math routines provided in Microchip® utility Application Notes.
To aid the reader, several appendices are included for reference, encompassing various Instruction Sets, ASCII character sets, Decimal-Binary-Hexadecimal conversion tables, and ten ‘Best Practices.’ Additionally, two datasheets—one complete for the 10F20x series and one partial for the 16F88x series—are provided to familiarize new embedded programmers with microcontroller datasheet formats and selection criteria.
This book is designed for a wide range of skill levels, from those entirely new to embedded control to C programmers transitioning into assembly language. The content guides readers through essential areas such as symbols and terminology used in microcontroller applications, programming examples using assembly language, design and development practices, basic mathematical knowledge in hexadecimal, and resources for advanced functions.
Key approaches include teaching the fundamentals of writing simple code with PICmicro® 10FXXX and 12FXXX processors, offering unique insights into enhancing mid-range 16FXXX and 18FXXX processors. The book also imparts new coding and math knowledge to build robust skillsets. Practical demonstrations show how to achieve optimal cost reduction by exercising full control over product design. It further illustrates the benefits of assembly language programming over C, including code space optimization, timing loop tightening, microcontroller size reduction, and overall cost savings.
Read more about this invaluable resource for anyone looking to master PIC® technology through assembly language programming.
