Microcontrollers Supported
WHICH MICROCONTROLLER CAN YOU USE with GCBASIC?
GCBASIC supports over 1100 microcontrollers. They have one thing in common - they are all 8-bit devices.
A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit. A microcontroller contains memory and programmable input/output peripherals. Program memory is in the form of RAM, as well as a an amount of RAM for user variables. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general purpose applications consisting of various discrete chips.
Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toys and other embedded systems. By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes. Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating analog components needed to control non-digital electronic systems.
Some microcontrollers operate at very low frequencies, for low power consumption (single-digit milliwatts or microwatts). They will generally have the ability to retain functionality while waiting for an event such as a button press or other interrupt; power consumption while sleeping (CPU clock and most peripherals off) may be just nanowatts, making many of them well suited for long lasting battery applications. Other microcontrollers may serve performance-critical roles, where they may need to act more like a digital signal processor (DSP), with higher clock speeds and power consumption.
How does GCBASIC support the large range of microcontrollers?
GCBASIC abstracts the physical microcontroller from the GCBASIC compiler by the use of microcontroller specific data file. The DAT file. A DAT file contains all the key pieces of information that is needed to setup and usage the specific microcontroller - we maintain and revise this DAT files within the release program.
If you want to more about the DAT file - ask a question on the Forum.
How DO you DETERMINE If A SPECIFIC microcontrolleR is supported?
Download the latest release for the microcontroller list. Select the link here, search and review the list.
How DO you share that a microcontrolleR may have an issue?
If you find an issue with a chip that is in the list, please post a message on the GCBASIC Forum, and we will attempt to fix the issue as soon as possible.