"Flowcode 6: Create 30 PIC Microcontroller Projects" is a specialized instructional resource designed for engineers, students, and hobbyists looking to master embedded systems through graphical programming. Published by Elektor, this book serves as a bridge between high-level logical design and the technical complexities of Microchip’s PIC architecture. Core Philosophy: Graphical Programming The central theme of the book is the use of Flowcode 6
, a Flowchart-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Unlike traditional coding in C or Assembly, Flowcode allows users to design complex systems by dragging and dropping icons representing decisions, loops, and input/output actions. This approach lowers the barrier to entry for beginners while speeding up the prototyping phase for professionals. Structure and Project Evolution
The "30 Projects" follow a pedagogical curve, moving from basic hardware interaction to sophisticated system integration: Foundations:
Initial projects focus on "Hello World" equivalents in the embedded world, such as blinking LEDs and reading digital switches. These chapters establish the basics of clock speeds, configuration bits, and port manipulation. Peripheral Interfacing:
As the book progresses, it introduces analog-to-digital converters (ADC), pulse-width modulation (PWM) for motor control, and driving 7-segment or LCD displays. Advanced Communication:
The latter half of the book delves into more complex protocols like I2C, SPI, and RS232. Projects here might include digital thermometers, data loggers, or basic robotic controllers. Educational Impact The book’s primary value lies in its hardware-agnostic logic
. While it uses the PIC microcontroller as the physical target, the flowchart logic taught is applicable to other architectures (like AVR or ARM). It emphasizes "system thinking"—understanding how data flows through a controller—rather than just memorizing syntax. Technical Requirements To follow the book effectively, users typically need: Flowcode 6 software
(though the logic applies to newer versions like Flowcode 10). E-blocks system or a breadboard with a PIC programmer (like a PICkit). PIC16 or PIC18 series microcontrollers, which are the primary focus of the text. Conclusion
"Flowcode 6: Create 30 PIC Microcontroller Projects" is more than a manual; it is a portfolio of practical applications. It remains a "hot" resource because it addresses the most common challenge in electronics: turning a conceptual idea into a functioning hardware prototype without getting lost in the "syntax jungle" of text-based programming. source code files for these projects, or would you like to see a list of the specific hardware components required to build them?
Flowcode 6 is a powerful graphical development tool that allows users to create complex embedded systems for PIC microcontrollers without needing deep knowledge of traditional coding languages like C or Assembly. Instead, users build programs by dragging and dropping flowchart icons that represent various logic operations and hardware controls. Why Use Flowcode 6 for PIC Projects?
Flowcode 6 simplifies the development process through its intuitive visual interface and advanced features: "Flowcode 6: Create 30 PIC Microcontroller Projects" is
Graphical Programming: Design logic using standard flowchart symbols such as inputs, outputs, decisions, and loops.
Powerful Simulation: Test your designs in real-time within 2D and 3D environments to verify hardware behavior before writing any code to the physical chip.
Component Library: Access pre-built modules for LEDs, LCDs, keypads, and motor controllers, which handle low-level register settings automatically.
Hardware Compatibility: It supports a vast range of Microchip PIC microcontrollers, including popular series like the PIC16 and PIC18.
Highlights from "Create 30 PIC Microcontroller Projects with Flowcode 6"
The popular book Create 30 PIC Microcontroller Projects with Flowcode 6 by Bert Van Dam serves as a comprehensive guide for both beginners and advanced hobbyists. It moves from basic tutorials to sophisticated, fully functional applications. Foundational Skills
The book's early projects focus on mastering core concepts through hands-on practice:
Digital Output: Controlling LEDs, including creating sequences and using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for brightness control.
Digital and Analog Input: Reading switches, light sensors, and temperature sensors using the built-in Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).
User Interfaces: Interfacing with LCDs to display alphanumeric data and using keypads for user input. Advanced Project Examples Drag Loop icon
As you progress, the projects become more complex, integrating multiple hardware components:
Create 30 PIC Microcontroller Projects with Flowcode 6 is a highly-regarded instructional book by Bert van Dam that focuses on teaching embedded systems development through a graphical, flowchart-based programming approach . The book is designed for both beginners and experienced hobbyists, moving from simple tutorial projects to complex hardware-software integration . Core Content & Projects
The book utilizes Flowcode 6, an all-graphics-oriented programming suite that allows users to create code without writing traditional C or Assembly . Projects typically follow a structured format including hardware schematics, program logic, and step-by-step assembly instructions .
Learning Progression: Starts with basic concepts like LED sequences and digital inputs before advancing to more ambitious designs . Key Skills Taught: Configuring input/output icons and decision branching . Managing variables, memory, and string manipulation .
Interfacing with hardware such as LCDs, keypads, and LED matrices .
Simulating designs on-screen before downloading to the PIC chip .
Flowcode Programming for PIC Microcontrollers | PDF - Scribd
Flowcode 6: Create 30 PIC Microcontroller Projects a practical guide written by Bert Van Dam , published by Elektor Publishing
. It is designed to teach users how to develop PIC microcontroller applications using the Flowcode 6
software, a graphical development tool that uses flowcharts instead of traditional text-based coding. Key Features of the Book Target Audience: despite newer versions being available
Ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and students with little to no prior programming experience. Project-Based Learning:
Includes 30 hands-on projects that range from simple tutorials to more complex electronic systems. Software Focus: Specifically utilizes Flowcode version 6
, which features a 3D graphics engine for simulation and a drag-and-drop interface. Topics Covered:
Circuit design, programming logic, and interfacing microcontrollers with various external components. Where to Find the Content
While the physical book and eBook were originally sold through retailers like
, finding a legal PDF version often requires looking for specific educational or companion resources:
The book usually targets low-cost boards like the EB-006 or generic PIC development boards. However, you can adapt every project for a PIC16F877A on a breadboard with an ICSP programmer (like the PICkit 3).
Flowcode 6 Steps:
Loop icon.Output → Port B0 = 1.Delay → 500 ms.Output → Port B0 = 0.Delay → 500 ms.Hardware:
LED (with 330Ω resistor) from PIC pin RB0 to GND.
The phrase "bookspdf hot" implies that the community has recognized the value of a curated, project-based guide that pairs perfectly with this software.
Imagine dragging a "Loop" icon onto a canvas, connecting it to an "ADC Read" icon, and then to an "LCD Print" icon. That is Flowcode. You draw the logic of your program, and the software automatically generates the native C code for your specific PIC chip. Version 6, despite newer versions being available, holds a special place in the community for three reasons:
Flowcode 6 has extensive native support for these chips. The configuration panel in Flowcode 6 (setting the Oscillator, Watchdog Timer, and Brown-out Reset) replaces the complex configuration bits usually set in MPLAB IDE. This streamlines the workflow for the student, allowing them to focus on the application logic rather than the silicon errata.