7 Beginner-Friendly PIC Controller Books to Start Your Journey

Drawing from decades of embedded system design experience, Tim Wilmshurst guides you through the intricacies of PIC microcontrollers with clarity and precision. This book teaches both assembly and C programming languages, offering code samples and examples that ease the transition between them, while covering the evolution from basic 8-bit PICs to more advanced 16/32-bit models. You'll gain a solid foundation in embedded development principles, including practical use of Microchip's MPLAB tools and a look at wireless applications like ZigBee. If you're starting with PICs and want a resource that builds your skills steadily, this book delivers without overwhelming.

Lucio Di Jasio draws on his insider experience at Microchip to demystify programming 16-bit PIC microcontrollers, focusing squarely on the PIC24 family. You’ll find a no-frills, example-driven approach that skips the usual introductory padding, jumping straight into practical coding, testing, and debugging techniques. The book walks you through using MPLAB X and the latest PIC24F libraries, covering peripherals like I2C and multimedia handling like PAL/NTSC video and RIFF audio decoding. Whether you’re a seasoned embedded engineer or a newcomer, the detailed code samples and checklists equip you to leverage the PIC24’s expanded capabilities with confidence.

This tailored book explores the essentials of PIC controllers through a personalized, step-by-step beginner's guide. It focuses on your interests and background to introduce the core principles of PIC architecture, programming, and hardware integration at a comfortable pace. By removing overwhelm, it reveals fundamental concepts and practical examples that build confidence progressively, matching your individual learning style and goals. The content addresses foundational topics such as microcontroller basics, instruction sets, and simple project design, ensuring a smooth and engaging introduction. Designed to fit your unique skill level, this personalized approach helps you grasp PIC controllers without distraction or unnecessary complexity. It invites you to explore the fascinating world of embedded systems with clarity and focus, making your learning experience both effective and enjoyable.

John Morton's deep experience in electronics education shines through in this straightforward guide to the PIC Microcontroller. He assumes no prior microcontroller knowledge, immediately engaging you with simple, hands-on projects that make complex concepts approachable. You’ll learn how to program and use popular PIC devices like the PIC16F84 and PIC12F675, understanding their commands and features through clear, practical examples. This book suits students, hobbyists, and technicians who want a direct, project-based introduction without getting bogged down in heavy theory. If you prefer learning by doing and want to quickly build usable skills with PIC microcontrollers, this is a solid starting point.

Unlike most PIC Controller books that dive straight into complex theory, Hubert Ward’s extensive teaching experience shines through in this accessible guide that breaks down embedded programming in C for the 32-bit PIC microcontroller. You’ll learn practical skills like configuring system clocks, programming communication modules such as SPI and I2C, and controlling displays with driver ICs, all explained through clear code walkthroughs and examples. The book guides you from setting up MPLABX IDE to understanding how various PIC modules operate, making it a solid starting point if you want to build foundational embedded programming skills. While it’s especially useful for engineering students and newcomers, those looking to deepen their practical understanding of PIC programming will find valuable insights here.

David Benson's extensive experience in microcontroller programming shines through in this approachable guide designed specifically for newcomers to PIC16 and PIC17 microcontrollers. The book breaks down complex assembly language concepts into manageable steps, using a simple demo board project to provide hands-on practice. You’ll learn how to write and visualize code with flow charts, progressing from basic LED control to more advanced timing and event-counting programs. This methodical crawl, walk, run approach makes it easier to grasp programming fundamentals without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re just starting with PIC microcontrollers and want a clear, practical introduction, this book fits the bill without unnecessary complexity.

This tailored book explores core C programming concepts specifically for PIC microcontrollers, providing a clear and confident learning path. It offers a progressive introduction that matches your background and skill level, easing you into embedded C with carefully selected examples and explanations. The content focuses on helping you build foundational knowledge without overwhelm, emphasizing a personalized pace that suits your comfort and learning preferences. By concentrating on essential PIC embedded C principles, it reveals how to write efficient, effective code that interacts seamlessly with hardware. This personalized resource is designed to empower your journey, focusing on your interests and addressing your specific programming goals.

What makes this book different is how Bert van Dam transforms PIC microcontroller programming into an approachable skill through his use of JAL, a free yet powerful language. You start with zero knowledge and gradually learn commands like include, pin, loops, and interrupts, supported by hands-on projects such as blinking LEDs and building time switches. Van Dam’s methodical approach ensures you develop confidence not only coding your own programs but also understanding others'. It's an ideal guide if you want a clear, practical introduction without being overwhelmed by technical jargon or assuming prior experience.

Miguel Angel Garcia-Ruiz and Pedro Cesar Santana Mancilla bring you a hands-on introduction to embedded systems through microcontroller projects in C and C++. This book walks you through using beginner-friendly PIC microcontrollers alongside more advanced STM32 boards, guiding you from basic digital electronics concepts to real-world IoT applications like environmental sensing. You'll gain practical skills in programming, circuit design, and troubleshooting, with clear examples such as measuring humidity and temperature to solidify your understanding. It's tailored for hobbyists, students, and engineers new to microcontrollers seeking a solid foundation without overwhelming technical jargon.