Microprocessors are mini computers. These mini computer chips are not nearly as powerful as those
used to build PC's ( personal computers ) but can still pack plenty of punch. Being capable of
processing well in excess of 40,000 to 50,000 instructions per second makes them powerful tools to
be used in electronic design.

Microprocessors are programmable just like a computer. This means programs can be written using a
computer and downloaded to the microprocessor. From that point on, whenever power is applied to the
micro' it will perform that program. Microprocessors are used in all sorts of everyday appliances.
Microwaves, automobiles, home appliances, robots, industry, airplane's all have microprocessors
controlling aspects of what they do.

Once a micro is programmed it can control other pieces of circuitry via its pins. It can turn things
on or off, communicate with other devices such as computers using common protocols, communicate
with other micros,computers or electronic devices over the Internet or via radio frequency, perform
calculations for circuitry control, control timers and much more.

There are thousands of possible applications that microprocessors can be used for from very simple
tasks to complex control requirements.

If you are interested in learning more, here are some links :

http://www.esource.co.nz

http://www.parallaxinc.com/

http://www.hvwtech.com

http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Orchard/6633/links.html

There are heaps of sites out there with information about microprocessors and how you can use them.
The above links would be a good place to start. All these links have more links on them also.


One very good way to start using a microprocessor is to become familiar with programming a 'Basic Stamp'.
A Basic Stamp is a microprocessor mounted on a module ( the green circuit board shown above ) that has
a number of other componentry included to make programming the micro easy. The Basic Stamp is made
in America by Parallax Inc ( one of the links above ) and can be bought in New Zealand through 'esource'
( another link above ). The Basic Stamp comes with a full programming instruction set and can be programmed
using a Windows PC.


Basic Stamps are very good for prototypes or projects that might be a one off. If, however, you are building
something that could be taken into production, the Stamp might become a little too expensive to use in every
unit. For this reason it would be sensible to move onto the more industrial kind of chip such as Microchips
PIC microprocessor ( the black chip shown above ). There are other brands of micro's available from other
companies around the world, Microchip is merely one company that makes microprocessors.

A PIC micro for example is less expensive than the Stamp and equally powerful ( more powerful in most cases ).
Programming a PIC though, is slightly more involved and requires an expensive set up cost although this is
only a one off.

Programming micro's and implementing them into circuit design is great fun ! The potential opportunities for
their use is limited only by your imagination. It's pretty tough going to get started, but if you can get a foot hold
and make sense of it all, it becomes more and more achievable.

I have had quite a bit of experience with the Basic Stamp in a project I'm involved with and am just starting
to program the PIC's.