What Is Peripheral Interface Controller (PIC)?

A PIC is a microcontroller that serves as an interface between a computer and extraneous devices, to put it simply. It acts as the electronic equivalent of a traffic cop, regulating data exchange between gadgets to keep things running smoothly. Consider a computer that wants to connect with many devices, such as sensors, motors, LCD panels, and other devices. The computer cannot simply communicate with these gadgets. This is where the PIC steps in, functioning as a translator to ensure that both the computer and the device understand each other. I2C, SPI, and UART are just a few communication protocols the PIC can employ to interact with these gadgets. The PIC ensures that everyone follows the rules for sending and receiving data for each protocol. From 8-pin to 40-pin DIP packaging, PICs are available in various sizes and forms. The quantity of input/output (I/O) pins and the complexity of the PIC system will be utilized to determine its size. The programmability of PICs is one of its most appealing features. The PIC may be programmed to perform many tasks depending on various inputs. Since the code is kept in non-volatile memory, it is not affected by power outages. The PIC's Central Processing Unit (CPU), which executes code and makes decisions based on inputs, serves as the system's brain. The Input/Output ports (IOPorts) on the CPU allow it to send and receive data from the I/O pins. A built-in timer on the PIC can set delays and schedule tasks to be completed at predetermined intervals. The timer, for instance, can be used to regulate a motor's speed or switch on an LED once every second. A versatile microcontroller known as the Peripheral Interface Controller serves as the interface between a computer and external devices. PICs are frequently employed in many applications, from home automation systems to industrial control systems, thanks to their programmability, selection of communication protocols, and built-in timer. That concludes our brief and amusing introduction to PICs. I hope it was both interesting and enjoyable for you. Up until then!