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The TC77 is a serially accessible digital temperature sensor. Temperature data is converted from the internal thermal sensing element and made available at anytime as a 13-bit two’s compliment digital word. Communication with the TC77 is accomplished via a SPI and MICROWIRE compatible interface. It has a 12-bit plus sign temperature resolution of 0.0625°C per Least Significant Bit (LSb). The TC77 offers a temperature accuracy of ±1.0°C (max.) over the temperature range of +25°C to +65°C. When operating, the TC77 consumes only 250 ìA (typ.). The TC77’s Configuration register can be used to activate the low power Shutdown mode, which has a current consumption of only 0.1 uA (typ.).

When the device is connected to the computer, a Virtual COM Port (VCP) will be created. This is shown at the Device Manager Window under Ports(COM & LPT). In this case, COM5 was created when the PIC18F4550 was attached to the USB Port. It may be interesting to note that if you plug in your PIC in different USB ports, the VCP created will be different.

A bootloader enables download of hex-files directly into the flash-memory of a PIC or other microcontroller. The bootloader receives the user program via the PIC's UART and writes it directly to the program memory (self programming). This feature greatly speeds up the development process, because the chip remains in the target circuit and need not be moved between the target circuit and the programmer. When no bootloader is installed, all memory in the PIC can be utilized for user programs. That is 4 K for the 16F873 (0x000 to 0xFFF). Installing a bootloader means, that some part of the memory is occupied by the bootloader. The user can download his program into the remaining memory space. The bootloader in figure 1 occupy 256 words (0xF00 to 0xFFF), that is 6 % of the memory in a 16F873. The disadvantage of loosing 6 % memory is little compared to the advantage of fast program download and more friendly development routines.

Build a digital clock that turns AC load on/off through relay with preset time. The clock is based around 7-segment LED display with multiplex connection and AT89C2051 microcontroller. It is nice to be used as the display for clock controller. So I spent my weekend built the board. Below are the pictures for outlook and internal. The board is quite small. The output has small relay for 0.5A AC load. The program clock.c was written in ‘C’ language and was complied by Micro-C Compiler from DunfiledDevelopment Systems. The memory model is TINY. The hex file of clock.c suitable for downloading by Easy-Downloaderis clock.hex.

CodeLock AVR electronic combination lock is realized with Atmel AVR microcontroller AT90S2313 or ATtiny2313. Program in hex code is 2 kB long. User code is consisted of 1 to 4 digits. If you buy the chip than user code is consisted of 1 to 8 digits. If the code is entered in the correct sequence, then after 1 second the relay and the electric striker (in the door) switch on for 1 second and then switch off again. User code can be changed via 3x4 matrix keypad. Keypad for CodeLock can be bought at local electronic shop. Initial user code (1234) is set up with a jumper. The jumper must be inserted before the voltage (12V) connection. The jumper must be removed after 2 beeps (after 5 to 15 seconds).

Here's a digital barometer that uses Atmega8 microcontroller and graphical LCD display. This project uses SCP barometer pressure sensor graphical LCD display connected to Atmega8 microcontroller. Graphical LCD displays latest 128 readings while one reading occur once in 20 minutes. You can see information of about two last days. Provided C source code can be customized to your liking.

I needed to replace two old, unreliable thermostats for controlling the heating and cooling for a large garden shed. Commercial basic digital thermostats are available quite cheaply, but some lack the ability to control heavy loads or have the extra features that I require for saving energy when the door is often left open or to indicate temperature being out of range etc. I like the PIC18F1320 microcontroller used in my previous project - so decided to use it again in a very similar design to drive three multiplexed LED displays and read the temperature from a Dallas/Maxim DS18x20 "1-Wire" digital sensor.

The extra input B is for a later SWR brigde project, also the TX serial output will be in use later. The uncalibrated signal response is: +1/-1 dB from 1MHz to 450MHz. Input SWR vill varry from 1.00 to 1.30, depending on input frequency. To make the SWR this good, you need to assemble the input circuit correct and adjust the capasitor. Input power range: -60 to +30dBm that is 1 nW to 1 Watt.

One morning I woke up and wanted to know what the temperature outside was, and instead of running over to Home Depot and picking up a $2.00 glass thermometer, I decided to build my own wireless temperature sensor. At the heart of the board is a PIC12F675 microcontroller in an SO8 package. The right-hand side of the board houses the linear power supply (LP2950), bottom-center is the DS18B20 1-Wire temperature sensor, and out in left-field you can see the Sure TTL Bluetooth Module.

This is a lamp timer capable of operating two separate relay switches. Outputs can be in three (or restricted to two) states: OFF, delayed ON and constant ON. Delayed ON mode is indicated by the LEDs. The source code is easily customizable for your needs: set your desired delay time or disable constant ON state.