Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: RedGolf on September 13, 2011, 06:57:11 PM

Title: Question on microcontrollers
Post by: RedGolf on September 13, 2011, 06:57:11 PM
Hi there! I am completely new to robotics, and I have a question. I recently purchased a couple of 28-pin atmel megaAVR microcontrollers, and I was wondering if there was a reference page that shows what each terminal of the controller is used for? (ground, sensors, etc.) I'm a little confused if each pin even has a designated purpose, too. Thank you for your time :)

Title: Re: Question on microcontrollers
Post by: joe61 on September 13, 2011, 08:08:12 PM
Atmel publishes documents called data sheets which explain how the chips work. You don't say which you have, so take a look at this page (http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/param_table.asp?category_id=163&family_id=607&subfamily_id=760)

Click on the chip you have and it will take you to the product page, from there you can get the data sheet and various other documents.

The functions of each pin are given in the data sheet, usually in a section called "Pin Descriptions".

Joe
Title: Re: Question on microcontrollers
Post by: lrmall01 on September 14, 2011, 02:22:13 PM
Also note that the pin function will need to be set in your software.  You have to tell the micro how you want the pin to behave, if it has multiple options.  The datasheet should help with that as well.
Title: Re: Question on microcontrollers
Post by: RedGolf on September 14, 2011, 05:14:58 PM
Ahah! Thanks guys, exactly what I was looking for. And thanks for the tip lrmall01