I am doing a christmas lights program for an 8051 as part of a college project. I downloaded the evaluation version (uVision V2.40a) and it's great except I don't have the LED option in the peripherals menu. I've heard it might be a plug-in but I can't find it anywhere. Anyone able to enlighten me?
Andrew - All of the magic going on inside your microcontroller is really designed to do two things: read pin values (high or low) and set pin values. You probably won't find anything specifically dealing with LEDs in uVision, unless you find a plugin or a simulator module specifically designed for that purpose. Take a look at the "Blinky" example program that comes with the tool set. It flashes 8 port pins (to which you could connect an array of LEDs) and is easily modified. Blinky is a good starting point but, if you want to do something more complicated, like control an entire string of lights, the project becomes a bit more involved. Good luck.
just to make sure there is no misunderstanding: Take a look at the "Blinky" example program that comes with the tool set. It flashes 8 port pins (to which you could connect an array of LEDs)through a buffer Erik
Of course. However, (and feel free to call me crazy), sometimes precision must be sacrificed in pursuit of clarity.
The Op stated: "I don't have the LED option in the peripherals menu" sometimes precision must be sacrificed in pursuit of clarity. I think with the above background the important thing is "completeness". If an experienced '51 developer were the OP, I would agree with you. Erik
Good point.
through a buffer... Depends on how much current you plan to drive the LEDs with and what flavor of '51 you're using. The Philips LPC93x can drive 20mA per pin (with a total package limit, of course).
Thanks for your help, I found the plug in I was looking for on c51.de My apologies if my inexperience caused offence.