HI-TECH ‘C’ AND MPLAB – AN OVERVIEW

HI-TECH software makes industrial-strength development tools and C compilers that help software developers write compact, efficient embedded processor code. HI-TECH PICC-18™ is a powerful C compiler for the Microchip PICmicro® PIC18 family of microcontrollers. HI-TECH PICC-18 delivers unrivalled code density combined with excellent reliability. Tightly tuned to the PIC18 architecture, it allows firmware development in a fraction of the time, but with no greater use of RAM or ROM, required for conventional assembly language programming. It is also a USER FRIENDLY language.

HI-TECH PICC-18™ Compiler Features:

• ANSI C – full featured and portable
• Efficient – equals or betters hand-written assembler code
• Reliable – mature, field-proven technology
• Modular – includes full object code linker and library manager
• Cost-effective – productivity gains rapidly repay purchase cost
• Compatible – integrates into the MPLAB® IDE, MPLAB ICE2000 and
• 4000, ICD2 and most 3rd-party development tools
• Library source – for standard libraries and sample code for various
• peripherals and applications
• Complete – includes macro assembler, preprocessor and one-step driver

MPLAB IDE – AN OVERVIEW

MPLAB is a Windows program package that makes writing and developing a program easier. It could best be described as developing environment for a standard program language that is intended for programming a PC. MPLAB allows you to write, debug, and optimize the PICmicro MCU applications for firmware product designs. Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is an application that has multiple functions for software development. MPLAB IDE an executable program that integrates a compiler, an assembler, a project manager, an editor, a debugger, simulator, and an assortment of other tools within one Windows application. A user developing an application should be able to write code, compile, debug and test and application without leaving the MPLAB IDE desktop. MPLAB IDE runs as a 32-bit application on MS Windows, is easy to use and includes a host of free software components for fast application development and super- charged debugging.

MPLAB ICD 2 – AN OVERVIEW
Traditionally, embedded systems engineers use in-circuit emulators (ICE) to develop and debug their designs and then programmers to transfer the code to the devices. The in-circuit debugging logic, when implemented, is part of the actual microcontroller silicon and provides a low-cost alternative to a more expensive ICE. In-circuit debugging offers these benefits:

• Low cost
• Minimum of extra hardware
• Expensive sockets or adapters are not needed
• Debugging and programming a production line board is possible.

An ICE uses custom hardware to emulate the target microcontroller. An ICD uses hardware on the target microcontroller to do some of the functions of an ICE. An ICD also employs software running on the target to do ICE-like functions and, as a result, relies upon the target microcontroller for some memory space, CPU control, stack storage and I/O pins for communication.

The MPLAB ICD 2 (In-Circuit Debugger 2) allows debugging and programming of PIC microcontrollers using the powerful graphical user interface of the MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE). The MPLAB ICD 2 is connected to the design engineer’s PC using USB or RS-232 interface and can be connected to the target via an ICD connector.

MPLAB ICD 2 SYSTEM COMPONENTS:
In addition to the MPLAB ICD 2 module, the following components are required:

• MPLAB IDE software (version 6.20 or later) – Installed on the PC to control  MPLAB ICD 2.
• RS-232 or USB cable – To connect the MPLAB ICD 2 module to a COM or  USB port on the PC.
• Modular interface cable – To connect the MPLAB ICD 2 module to a demo board or the user’s application.
• Demo board or target application – To connect the PICmicro MCU with on- board debug capabilities to the modular interface (and the MPLAB ICD 2). Although the serial or USB communications from the MPLAB IDE to the
• Power adapter(s) – To power MPLAB ICD 2 and the target application.

GPS – AN OVERVIEW:

The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a “constellation” of 24 well-spaced satellites that orbit the earth and make it possible for people with ground receivers to pinpoint their geographic location. The location accuracy is anywhere from 100 to 10 meters for most equipment. Accuracy can be pinpointed to within 1 meter with special military-approved equipment .GPS equipment is widely used in science and has now become sufficiently low-cost so that almost anyone can own a GPS receiver.

The GPS has three components namely:

1. The space segment: consisting of 24 satellites orbiting the earth at an altitude of 11000 nautical miles.
2. The user segment: consisting of a receiver, which is mounted on the unit whose location has to be determined.
3. The control segment: consists of various ground stations controlling the satellites.

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GSM – AN OVERVIEW

GSM, Global System for Mobile communications, is today the most successful digital mobile telecommunication system. This second-generation (2G) system provides voice and limited data services and uses digital modulation with improved audio quality.

The different versions of GSM are:

1. GSM 900 band (850-915MHz up-link frequency and 935-960MHz downlink frequency)
2. GSM 1800 band or digital cellular system (DCS) 1800 band (1710-1785MHz up-link frequency and 1805-1880MHz downlink frequency)
3. Personal Communication service (PCS) 1900 band (1850-1910MHz up-link frequency and 1930-1990MHz downlink frequency)

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