Microchip Microcontrollers

[Mike Fahrion]

My EFI experience may be limited, but I *do* know PIC's.

Microchip's PIC processors have a very large following in the
hobbiest world due to their high speed and low cost development
tools.  You can find a wealth of information on-line and through the
PIC mailing list (well over 1k members, PICLIST at mitvma.mit.edu). 
Another plus for the hobbies is that they are readily available in
single piece qty's through Digikey (electronic parts mail order
catalog 800.344.4539, www.digikey.com)

The processors use a sort of RISC architecture to get a large bang 
for the buck.  Low end models have no interrupts, I would think you'd 
want to get up to the models with interrupts for EFI apps which gets 
you into units like the 16C63/64 which gives interrupts, a PWM and a 
USART (could be used to communicate with a laptop).

Programming is relatively easy, although the unique architecture 
makes it entirely different from the intel or motorola family uP's.  
In fact, if you have no micro experience at all its almost easier to 
learn than if your a diehard intel programmer.  There are only 35 
instructions, each one executes in one clock cycle and occupies 1 
"byte" of programming space.

To get started you will need a $139 "PICSTART" programmer, available 
through Digikey, and an UV eraser.

Good Luck - Would be interested to know more about your motorcycle 
applications - have been meaning to add electronic ignition w/advance 
to my RD for some time now.

-mike
mfahrion at bb-elec.com

> After looking through a databook, the Microchip PIC16C74 seems well 
> suited for an EFI applcation.  Has anyone played around with this Micro? 
> What did you think?  
> 
> I may use it this winter for EFI/Ignition duties on my motorcycle and 
> would appriciate any input on this device.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Carl Haas