Four steps to learn MCU

How to learn MCU? What are the steps to learn MCU? MCU enthusiasts often ask us. We have roughly summarized that the process of learning MCU can basically be divided into four stages:

The first stage: First, browse the hardware part in the textbook to roughly understand the hardware structure of the microcontroller, such as ROM, RAM, address, I/O port, etc., and read some manufacturers' MCU data sheets to strengthen the impression of the various resources provided by the MCU.

The second stage: is to understand the binary numbers, hexadecimal numbers and software. Although there are many high-level languages ​​that can be used for single-chip microcomputer programming, I think it is better to start with assembly language, which is more conducive to combining with hardware and mastering the hardware structure. After knowing the concepts of assembly language, machine language, instructions, and programs, start with the MOV instruction to learn assembly language and programming. For example, the MCU assembly language system of 51 has 11 instructions, which are simple and easy to understand how they are connected with hardware, and are more helpful for general learning of single-chip microcomputer instruction integration and application. Therefore, the method is to first understand a few basic MOV instructions and its machine language, roughly establish the hardware and software concepts of single-chip microcomputers, and know that the hardware of single-chip microcomputers is controlled and directed by instructions.

The third stage is to familiarize yourself with the programming environment according to its manual. Nowadays, programming environments are generally connected to computers, and anyone with basic computer knowledge can quickly master the operation steps.

The fourth stage is to learn and master the assembly language instruction system and simple programming of the microcontroller by relying on the experimental board. At the same time, it is combined with the hardware knowledge learned before, which plays a dual role of learning the software and consolidating the hardware.

At the beginning, you can use simple programs written by others to verify and analyze on the experimental board, mainly to familiarize yourself with the learning method. In terms of application, it mainly focuses on the use of various microcontroller I/O interfaces, such as A/D, D/A, PWM output applications, LCD and VFD control, and how to standardize the communication protocols of various serial output inputs, etc. The driving capabilities of the components it controls must be analyzed first, such as current and voltage issues.

After becoming familiar with assembly language, it is recommended to learn C language programming as soon as possible. After all, C language has rich library functions, fast computing speed, high compilation efficiency, good portability, and can directly control system hardware. C language is a structured programming language that supports the top-down structured programming technology widely used in current programming. In addition, C language programs have a complete module program structure, which provides a strong guarantee for the use of modular programming methods in software development. Therefore, using C language for programming has become a mainstream in software development. Using C language to write target system software will greatly shorten the development cycle, significantly increase the readability of the software, and facilitate improvement and expansion, thereby developing a larger system with more complete performance.