Two electronics questions

blackbox_dev · Post by **blackbox_dev** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 1:47 pm

1) When you fry a diode because of too much reverse voltage does it allow current in both directions or not at all?

2) On the PICAXE microcontroller can you use the SEROUT command on any output pin or only the Serial Out pin used for programming? Also the SERIN command, any input pin or just the Serial In pin for programming. This microcontroller is more popular in Europe then anywhere else, maybe one of you guys can help me?

tom61 · Post by **tom61** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 2:12 pm

1) Most of the time, none, as you break down the semiconductor. However, sometimes this melts the leads, which can flow into into the diode, making it a wire.

blackbox_dev · Post by **blackbox_dev** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 2:42 pm

OK, thanks about the diode.

Also, does anyone know about the PICAXE? It is based on the PIC just to let you know, but includes bootstrap code so you don't need a seperate programmer and can simply be connected via serial cable.

blackbox_dev · Post by **blackbox_dev** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 6:41 pm

*bump*

OK, because not many of you probably know about the PICAXE, but it is basically a PIC, can a PIC output and input serial data on any digital I/O pin?

In case you havn't noticed from other posts about electronics, I am very interested in microcontrollers.

blackbox_dev · Post by **blackbox_dev** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 9:03 pm

*bump*

Seriously guys, all I want to know is can the PIC output serial data on any digital ouput?!?

Post by **marshallh** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 9:11 pm

Yes. All you need is to write pure MP-ASM code and use the right mix of NOPs and MOV commands to get the timing right.

I think some PICs have UART interfaces, however it's probably on only one pin. Check your PIC's datasheet.