User manual

PICDEM
TM
MECHATRONICS
DEMO BOARD USERS GUIDE
© 2006 Microchip Technology Inc. DS51557C-page 7
Chapter 1. PICDEM™ Mechatronics
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The PICDEM™ Mechatronics is intended to be a learning tool for individuals interested
in Mechatronic design. Mechatronics refers to integrating electronic controls into
mechanical systems or replacing mechanical components with an electronic solution.
PICmicro
®
microcontrollers are ideal for use in Mechatronic systems due to their small
size, high efficiency, speed and abundance of peripheral configurations. Mechatronic
systems range in complexity from a simple electromechanical switch with output
multiplexing to the complex stabilizer control of a supersonic jet. The appliance and
automotive markets are notable markets in which mechatronic designs are becoming
more common place. The modern washing machine, for instance, once an entirely
mechanical design, incorporates microcontrollers to manage cycle times, read human
inputs and regulate the speed of the agitate and spin cycles.
This chapter introduces the PICDEM™ Mechatronics development board. It describes
the PCB layout, parts and electrical connection to the PICkit™ 2 Flash Programmer
and MPLAB ICD 2 In-Circuit Debugger.
1.2 HIGHLIGHTS
This chapter discusses:
Quick Start Guide
The PICDEM™ Mechatronics Development Kit Contents
The PICDEM™ Mechatronics Layout
Required Tools
PICDEM™ Mechatronics Setup
General PICDEM™ Mechatronics Information