I have used the PIC18F452 microcontroller for both the main micro and the interface chip device because of it enhanced features that can be used to meet the specification required from the project designed such as large Memory, I2C bus, sufficient Input and Output pins for interface devices, In-Circuit Debug (ICD) via two pins and others explained in the table below.
The device PIC18F452 family incorporates a range of features that can significantly reduce power consumption during operation.
Table: Features description of microcontrollers
|
PIC microcontroller
Feature
|
PIC microcontroller
feature description
|
|
Flash memory
|
Re-programmable program storage.
|
|
RAM
|
Memory storage for variables.
|
|
EEPROM
|
Long term stable memory: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
|
|
I/O ports
|
High current Input/output ports (with pin direction change).
|
|
Timers/Counters
|
Typically 3.
|
|
USART
|
Built in RS232 protocol (only needs level translator chip).
|
|
CCP
|
Capture/Compare/PWM module.
|
|
SSP
|
I2C and SPI Interfaces.
|
|
Comparator
|
An analogue comparator and internal voltage reference.
|
|
ADC
|
Analogue to digital converter.
|
|
LCD
|
LCD interface.
|
|
ICSP
|
Simple programming using In Circuit Serial Programming.
|