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Certificate
Microcontrollers – PIC18F
Course Outline
The Microcontrollers – PIC18F course provides learners with a comprehensive introduction to embedded systems using the PIC18F4550 and/or PIC18F45K50 microcontrollers from Microchip’s PIC18 family.
Students will explore microcontroller architecture, peripheral modules, and firmware development using MPLAB X IDE and the XC8 C compiler. The course focuses on configuring hardware registers, controlling digital and analogue peripherals, implementing communication protocols, and designing real-world embedded applications.
Through extensive laboratory sessions, learners will interface sensors, communication modules (GSM, GPS, IoT), and actuators such as DC motors, relays, and LEDs. By the end of the course, students will design and implement a complete embedded system integrating multiple peripherals and communication modules.
Key Information
- MQF/EQF Level: Not pegged/recognised by MFHEA
- ECTS: N/A
- Qualification/Certification Type: Certificate of Completion
- Course Duration: 20 weeks × 3 hrs/week
- Total Hours: 60 hours
- Delivery Mode: In-person (hands-on lab-based)
- Language of Instruction: English & Maltese
- Target Audience: 16+ years
Students must complete at least 85% of total learning hours (tracked via attendance logs, lab participation and assessment submissions). A Certificate of Completion will be issued accordingly.
Course Description
This unit introduces learners to the architecture, features, and practical applications of both PIC18F4550 and PIC18F45K50, two widely used 8-bit microcontrollers from Microchip’s PIC18 family. The unit focuses on developing a strong understanding of how microcontrollers operate at both hardware and firmware levels, preparing students to design, program, and troubleshoot embedded systems.
The unit examines the PIC18F4550’s peripheral modules, such as digital I/O ports, internal timers, ADC (Analog to Digital Converter), CCP/PWM modules, communication protocols such as UART, SPI and I2C together with interrupts. Students will learn how to program these peripherals to control actuators such as speed control of DC motors, switching of relays, brightness intensity control of LEDs, etc. Communication peripherals will be used to interface the microcontroller with smart sensors and modules such as GSM, GPS, IoT etc.
MPLABX IDE and Microchip’s XC8 compiler will be used as the programming environment. Programming in C language (and if required, assembly language) is a major component of the unit. Students will learn how to read datasheets to enable them to write firmware to configure registers and to be able to interface with smart sensors and communication modules mentioned earlier.
As part of the assessment, the student will be asked to develop a complex embedded system using any PIC microcontroller.
Entry Requirements
- Basic Digital Electronics knowledge
- Understanding of logic circuits
- Basic C programming skills
Recommended:
- Completion of:
- Digital Electronics course
- Basic understanding of:
- Number systems
- Binary arithmetic
- Basic electronics hardware
This course is not suitable for complete beginners in programming or electronics.
Target Audience
This course is designed for:
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering students
- Embedded systems learners
- Mechatronics students
- Automation technicians
- Robotics developers
- ICT students specialising in hardware
- Technicians working with control systems
- Hobbyists wanting structured embedded knowledge
Course Delivery
The programme is structured into eight modules, delivered through:
- Instructor-led lectures
- Guided firmware programming sessions
- Datasheet interpretation exercises
- Hardware interfacing workshops
- Debugging sessions using MPLAB X
- Final capstone embedded project
Course Structure
- Module 1 – PIC18 Architecture Fundamentals
- Module 2 – Development Environment & C Programming
- Module 3 – Digital I/O and Timers
- Module 4 – PWM and Motor Control
- Module 5 – ADC and Analog Interfacing
- Module 6 – Communication Protocols
- Module 7 – Interrupts and System Integration
- Module 8 – Final Embedded System Project
- Final Assessment
Assessment & Certification
Assessment Breakdown:
- Practical Laboratory Assessments – 40%
- Mid-Term Theory & Programming Test – 20%
- Final Embedded Project – 30%
- Participation & Continuous Assessment – 10%
Upon successful completion, students receive a Certificate in Microcontrollers – PIC18F.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Explain PIC18F microcontroller architecture and memory organisation.
- Navigate and interpret Microchip datasheets confidently.
- Configure digital and analogue peripherals via register programming.
- Develop embedded firmware using MPLAB X and XC8 compiler.
- Implement PWM and motor control applications.
- Interface sensors and smart modules using UART, SPI, and I2C.
- Design interrupt-driven embedded systems.
- Debug hardware–software integration issues.
- Develop and present a complete embedded system project.
Course Intake Dates & Pricing
April 2026
Price: EUR 950
Optional Add-ons (please contact us for pricing):
- Basic Development Board + Programmer
- Full Kit (Board + Sensors + Communication Modules)
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