Jan 203 min read

Getting started with PIC18F4550 and MPLABX IDE

Introduction

There are various development environments available for the PIC18f4550 controller.

We can use the following IDEs for development:

MPLABX IDE
MikroC

C Compilers for PIC 18f4550

XC8
Hi-Tech
C18

After code development, for loading flash memory we can use this kit

PIC kit1
PIC kit2
PIC kit3
ICD

Here we are going to develop a simple LED blinking project using MPLABX IDE with XC8 compiler and flash the PIC18f4550 chip using PIC kit2.

MPLABX IDE is an Integrated Development Environment that is developed by Microchip.

It is used to develop a code for PIC microcontrollers.

Let’s start with MPLABX IDE.

1. Download compiler XC8 and Install it.

Here: http://www.microchip.com/mplab/compilers

2. Download MPLABX IDE and install it also.

Here: http://www.microchip.com/mplab/mplab-x-ide

3. There are many hardware Programmer available for PIC like PicKit2, PicKit3, USBPicProg.

Here PickKit2 is used to download the program into the device.

4. Now Open MPLABX IDE.

5. Now Create a new project for LED blinking.

Select File -> New Project

6. After selecting new project following window will pop-up.

Select Microchip Embedded -> Select Standalone and click to next.

7. Select Device and their Family

Here PIC18 family is used and PIC18F4550 device. After selecting click on next.

8. Window for selecting tool will Pop-up after clicking on next

Here PicKit2 Program downloading tool is used. Then click on Next.

9. Now select Compiler. Here XC8 is used and click Next.

10. Name a Project e.g. LED_Blinking_demo also set Path for Project Folder and Click on Finish.

Now our project is displayed in Project window.

The source file contains Main Code and other supporting files for a header (optional).
Now in PIC18f4550, we need to configure some registers or bits like WDT, MCLRE’, FOSC, etc.
We can write these configurations in our C code as follows:

#pragma config FOSC = INTOSC_EC

#pragma config WDT = OFF

#pragma config MCLRE = OFF

But PIC18F4550 has more configuration Registers so they are set to default and the compiler generates warnings for these registers. So to configure these registers MPLABX provides one simple way which is as follows:

11. Go to Window -> PIC Memory Views -> Select Configuration Bits

Configure these bits according to requirement and click on the button “Generate Source Code to Output” given on the bottom side.
Copy the Generated Source Code and paste it in a header file.

12. To do this 1st Create a Header file

Right Click on Header in project -> Select new -> Select C Header File

Name Header File and click on Finish

Now we have to write the main code for LED blinking.

13. Create the Main file for developing code.

Right Click on Source in the project -> Select new -> Select C Main File
To write code in Assembly, select the ASM file.

Give name to C file and click on finish.

14. Now write a simple application Code.

Simple C Program for LED blinking.

PIC18F4550 LED Blinking Program

/*
 Led blinking using PIC18F4550
 http://www.electronicwings.com
 */

#include "Configurations_Header_File.h"  /*Header file for Configuration Bits*/
#include <pic18f4550.h>                  /*Header file PIC18f4550 definitions*/

void MSdelay(unsigned int);

void main()
{
    OSCCON=0x72;                /* Use internal oscillator of 8MHz Frequency */
    TRISB=0x00;                 /* Set direction of PORTB as OUTPUT to which LED is connected */
    while(1)
    {
        LATB = 0xFF;            /* Turn ON LED for 500 ms */
        MSdelay (500);
        LATB = 0x00;            /* Turn OFF LED for 500 ms */
        MSdelay (500);
    }
}
void MSdelay(unsigned int val)
{
 unsigned int i,j;
 for(i=0;i<val;i++)
     for(j=0;j<165;j++);         /*This count Provide delay of 1 ms for 8MHz Frequency */
 }