Microcontrollers are present in many new and existing electronic products, and the PIC microcontroller is a leading processor in the embedded applications market. Students and development engineers need to be able to design new products using microcontrollers, and this book explains from first principles how to use the universal development language C to create new PIC based systems, as well as the associated hardware interfacing principles. The book includes many source code listings, circuit schematics and hardware block diagrams. It describes the internal hardware of 8-bit PIC microcontroller, outlines the development systems available to write and test C programs, and shows how to use CCS C to create PIC firmware. In addition, simple interfacing principles are explained, a demonstration program for the PIC mechatronics development board provided and some typical applications outlined. - Focuses on the C programming language which is by far the most popular for microcontrollers (MCUs) - Features Proteus VSMg the most complete microcontroller simulator on the market, along with CCS PCM C compiler, both are highly compatible with Microchip tools - Extensive downloadable content including fully worked examples