Summary of PIC18F4550 USB Development Board
This article introduces a DIY USB development board based on Microchip's PIC18F4550 microcontroller. Designed as a simplified version of the PICDEM Full Speed USB, the board features an ADC trimmer, LEDs, push buttons, and a USB connector. It is powered directly via the USB port and utilizes Microchip's MCHPFSUSB framework and bootloader for programming hex files using provided software tools.
Parts used in the PIC18F4550 USB Development Board:
- Microchip's PIC18F4550 microcontroller
- ADC trimmer
- LEDs
- Push buttons
- USB connector
- Header connectors
- USB port (for power)
USB has established itself as the new standard for connectivity. That is why USB connectivity has become the “holy grail” of most embedded applications.
Well, let me get straight to the point. If you want to start developing projects with USB interface, you want to have the proper development tools. To have the tools that you need, you either have to buy or to do-it-yourself.
If you want to build a USB development board yourself, here is one for you.
This development board features Microchip’s PIC18F4550. This development board is a simplified version of Microchip’s PICDEM Full Speed USB. It has one trimmer for ADC, LEDs, push buttons, and USB connector. Most of the pins of PIC18F4550 are brought out to header connectors. It is powered by USB port. Lastly, it is compatible with Microchip’s MCHPFSUSB USB Framework.
Since this development board is a simplified PICDEM FS USB board, hex files can be loaded to PIC18F4550 using the USB bootloader provided by Microchip. Microchip also provided a software tool to download hex files to PIC18F4550.
For more detail: PIC18F4550 USB Development Board
- What is the main microcontroller used in this development board?
The board features Microchip's PIC18F4550. - How is the development board powered?
It is powered by the USB port. - Can I load hex files without buying external programmers?
Yes, hex files can be loaded using the USB bootloader provided by Microchip. - Does this board support Microchip's software framework?
Yes, it is compatible with Microchip's MCHPFSUSB USB Framework. - What components are included on the board besides the microcontroller?
It includes one trimmer for ADC, LEDs, push buttons, and a USB connector. - Are most pins accessible for connections?
Yes, most pins of the PIC18F4550 are brought out to header connectors. - Is this board a full-featured commercial product or a simplified version?
It is a simplified version of Microchip's PICDEM Full Speed USB. - What tool does Microchip provide to download hex files?
Microchip provided a software tool to download hex files to the PIC18F4550.
