Syntax:
#option nolatch
This option disables PORTx to LATx redirection.
Introduction:
The GCBASIC compiler will redirect all I/O pin writes from PORTx to LATx registers on 16F1/18F Microchip PIC microcontrollers.
The Microchip PIC mid-range microcontrollers use a sequence known as Read-Modify-Write (RMW) when changing an output state (1 or 0) on a pin. This can cause unexpected behavior under certain circumstances.
When your program changes the state on a specific pin, for example RB0 in PORTB, the microcontroller first READs all 8 bits of the PORTB register which represents the states of all 8 pins in PORTB (RB7-RB0).
The microcontroller then stores this data in the MCU. The bit associated with RB that you’ve commanded to MODIFY is changed, and then the microcontrollers WRITEs all 8 bits (RB7- RB0) back to the PORTB register.
During the first reading of the PORT register, you will be reading the actual state of the physical pin. The problem arises when an output pin is loaded in such a way that its logic state is affected by the load. Instances of such loads are LEDs without current-limiting resistors or loads with high capacitance or inductance.
For example, if a capacitor is attached between pin and ground, it will take a short while to charge when the pin is set to 1. On the other hand, if the capacitor is discharged, it acts like a short circuit, forcing the pin to '0' state, and, therefore, a read of the PORT register will return 0, even though we wrote a 1 to it.
GCBASIC resolves this issue using the LATx register when writing to ports, rather than using PORTx registers. Writing to a LATx register is equivalent to writing to a PORTx register, but readings from LATx registers return the data value held in the port latch, regardless of the state of the actual pin. So, for reading use PORTx.
Note:
You can use the #option nolatch if problems occur with compiler redirection.
