1. Introduction to Microcontrollers and the Board of Education
Intro to Microcontrollers and the BOE
Digital Electronics
4.1 Introduction to Microcontrollers
Introduction to Microcontrollers and the Board of Education
Project Lead The Way, Inc
Copyright 2009

2. Board of Education (BOE) - Intro
Intro to Microcontrollers and the BOE
Digital Electronics
4.1 Introduction to Microcontrollers
Board of Education (BOE) - Intro
This presentation will
Present an overview of Microcontrollers and their typical applications
Detail Parallax’s Board of Education Single Board Computer
Detail Parallax’s BASIC Stamp Module and the PIC- 16C57 Microcontroller
Present an overview of the BASIC Stamp Development System
Project Lead The Way, Inc
Copyright 2009

3. First…. What is a Computer?
Intro to Microcontrollers and the BOE
Digital Electronics
4.1 Introduction to Microcontrollers
First…. What is a Computer?
All computers, including microcontrollers, must contain…
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Some form of memory (MEMORY)
Input & Output Devices (I/O)
Project Lead The Way, Inc
Copyright 2009

4. Intro to Microcontrollers and the BOE
Digital Electronics
4.1 Introduction to Microcontrollers
PC Computer
PC computers (i.e. a desktop or laptop) are designed to…
Perform a wide verity of tasks.
Run numerous programs.
A PC computer generally contain…
CPU : A very powerful processor such as Intel’s Pentium  or AMD’s Phenom
Memory : Several types of memory such as ROM, RAM, Cache, DVD, CD, and a Hard drive.
I/O : Keyboard/Mouse for inputs & Monitor/Printer for outputs.
Project Lead The Way, Inc
Copyright 2009

5. Intro to Microcontrollers and the BOE
Digital Electronics
4.1 Introduction to Microcontrollers
Microcontroller
What makes a microcontroller different ?
Microcontrollers are designed to…
Perform one dedicated task.
Run one specific program.
A microcontroller generally contain…
CPU : Small, low cost, and low power processor. With their features limited to the requirements of the application.
Memory : ROM memory to hold the one program and a small amount of RAM.
I/O : Depends on the application
Burglar Alarm System : Inputs from window & door switches; Outputs to siren and 911 auto dialer.
Automotive Cruise Control : Inputs from controls and speedometer; Outputs to accelerator and brakes.
Project Lead The Way, Inc
Copyright 2009

6. Microcontroller Applications
Intro to Microcontrollers and the BOE
Digital Electronics
4.1 Introduction to Microcontrollers
Microcontroller Applications
Microcontrollers are frequently called "embedded controllers" or "embedded systems" because they’re embedded inside other device
Typical applications
Burglar Alarm System
Automotive Cruse Control
Cell Phones
MP3 Players
Home HVAC Systems
Can you think of other applications?
Project Lead The Way, Inc
Copyright 2009

7. Introduction to the Board Of Education
Intro to Microcontrollers and the BOE
Digital Electronics
4.1 Introduction to Microcontrollers
Introduction to the Board Of Education
In this class you will be using a single board computer called the Board Of Education (BOE).
The BOE is manufactured by Parallax Inc.
With a little background in the BASIC programming language, the BOE will allow you to implement embedded controllers/systems quickly and easily.
Board Of Education
Project Lead The Way, Inc
Copyright 2009

8. Intro to Microcontrollers and the BOE
Digital Electronics
4.1 Introduction to Microcontrollers
Overview of the BOE
USB Interface to PC
Battery & Wall-Wart Connectors and Voltage Regulator
Servo Motor Interface Connectors
Proto-Board Area
Reset Switch
Power Switch
Connection Headers to BASIC Stamp
BASIC Stamp
Project Lead The Way, Inc
Copyright 2009

9. Intro to Microcontrollers and the BOE
Digital Electronics
4.1 Introduction to Microcontrollers
The BASIC Stamp
Signal Conditioning Conditions voltage signals between USB connection (+/- 12V) and BASIC Stamp (5V)
EEPROM Stores the PBASIC program.
5V Regulator Regulates voltage to 5V with a supply of 5.5VDC to 15VDC
System Clock Sets the speed at which the instructions are executed
PIC-16C57 Microcontroller Executes the PBASIC instructions stored in the EEPROM
Project Lead The Way, Inc
Copyright 2009

10. Intro to Microcontrollers and the BOE
Digital Electronics
4.1 Introduction to Microcontrollers
The BASIC Stamp
Why is it called the BASIC Stamp?
First; it runs programs written in
the BASIC programming language.
Beginner's
All-purpose
Symbolic
Instruction
Code
Second; It looks like, and is about the size of, a postage stamp.
Project Lead The Way, Inc
Copyright 2009

11. The PIC-16C57 Microcontroller
Intro to Microcontrollers and the BOE
Digital Electronics
4.1 Introduction to Microcontrollers
The PIC-16C57 Microcontroller
The Microcontroller on the BASIC Stamp
The PIC name refers to "Peripheral Interface Controller"
8 Bit System / CMOS Technology
20 General Purpose I/O Pins
8 Bit Counter
2 K Bytes of EEPROM
72 Bytes of RAM
Manufactured by
Project Lead The Way, Inc
Copyright 2009

12. BASIC Stamp Development System
Intro to Microcontrollers and the BOE
Digital Electronics
4.1 Introduction to Microcontrollers
BASIC Stamp Development System
Icon to Start BASIC Stamp Development System
Current
Directory
Standard
Tool Bar
Directory
Sub-Window
This window shows all the directories and sub-directories on your hard drive.
Program
Sub-Window
This is where your program goes.
File
Sub-Window
This window shows all the BASIC program files that are in the current directory
Project Lead The Way, Inc
Copyright 2009

13. Intro to Microcontrollers and the BOE
Digital Electronics TM
4.1 Introduction to Microcontrollers
Resources
Parallax Inc. (2004). What’s A Microcontroller.
Retrieved July 15, 2009
fttp://
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2009