Bootloader
The
microcontroller program memory is 32K bytes, 30K is available for your
application program. The first 2K is a boot block occupied by the
pre-programmed bootloader. The modules easy functionality is down to the
bootloader. This is because it enables your application programs to be
easily downloaded and tested, via the USB port, using the supplied
software. The bootloader also includes transmit and receive buffers and
a collection of functions to make communications with the host PC very
easy. This 2K boot block is protected, so you cannot accidentally
overwrite it.
If
you don't want the bootloader, with its ability to program the module
via USB, then you can use your normal programming device. This will give
access to all 32K of memory. The USB interface
connects to the microcontroller via the USART serial module which is
built in to the microcontroller. This can be used just like a
normal serial port.
Applications
& Communication
We
have included linker scripts, header files and source code on our download
page. These will enable you to write applications in assembler,
using Microchip's MPLab and in 'C' using Microchip C18 compiler or
SourceBoost BoostC compiler. You can even program the P0701 using
graphical languages such as Matrix Multimedia FlowCode. Support for
other compilers and languages will be available shortly. If you're not
using the bootloader then you can program the module just like an
ordinary PIC18F4580 microcontroller using any language and IDE you want.
A
basic input/output application is pre-programmed into the
microcontroller. This enables bit and byte digital input/output,
analogue input and basic data acquisition. The microcontroller's pulse
width modulation capabilities can therefore be used immediately.
Example
programs, to demonstrate how easy it is to write very capable programs
with very little code, can be found on our download
page.
Communicating
with the module is easy thanks to FTDI's drivers and many other
operating systems are supported. The driver emulates a standard serial
port therefore many existing programs can communicate directly with the
module. When writing your own programs you can either open a connection
to the serial port or you can use the supplied API. The FTDI API is compatible
with many languages such as C, C++, Visual Basic,
Delphi
, LabView, etc. You can even communicate with
the module using Hyperterminal included with many versions of
windows.
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