The Microchip PIC family of microcontrollers is the most popular series of microcontrollers in the world. However, no microcontroller is of any use without software to make it perform useful functions. This comprehensive reference focuses on designing with Microchip's mid-range PIC line using MBASIC, a powerful but easy to learn programming language. It illustrates MBASIC's abilities through a series of design examples, beginning with simple PIC-based projects and proceeding through more advanced designs. Unlike other references however, it also covers essential hardware and software design fundamentals of the PIC microcontroller series, including programming in assembly language when needed to supplement the capabilities of MBASIC. Details of hardware/software interfacing to the PIC are also provided. BENEFIT TO THE READER: This book provides one of the most thorough introductions available to the world's most popular microcontroller, with numerous hardware and software working design examples which engineers, students and hobbyists can directly apply to their design work and studies. Using MBASIC, it is possible to develop working programs for the PIC in a much shorter time frame than when using assembly language. * Offers a complete introduction to programming the most popular microcontroller in the world, using the MBASIC compiler from a company that is committed to supporting the book both through purchases and promotion * Provides numerous real-world design examples, all carefully tested * CD contains the source code files and executables, and will include a demo version of the MBASIC compiler, allowing engineers to work out the design exercises in the book.