7 Best-Selling PIC Controller Books Millions Love

Discover best-selling PIC Controller books authored by leading experts like Chuck Hellebuyck and John Morton, offering practical knowledge and proven programming techniques.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in the specialized world of PIC controllers. Millions have turned to PIC microcontrollers to power everything from hobbyist gadgets to sophisticated embedded systems. The enduring popularity of these seven best-selling books shows just how critical clear, practical guidance is when mastering PIC programming and design.

These works, penned by authorities like Chuck Hellebuyck, John Morton, and Harprit Singh Sandhu, blend hands-on projects with expert insights. Their decades of experience in electronics and embedded systems make these books go-to resources for engineers, students, and hobbyists alike. From beginner-level introductions to advanced project development, they cover the full PIC Controller spectrum.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific PIC Controller needs might consider creating a personalized PIC Controller book that combines these validated approaches with your unique background and goals.

Best for beginners learning PICBASIC programming
Chuck Hellebuyck has worked in the electronics industry for more than 25 years, with a strong background in automotive electronics and product design. He writes a monthly column on PIC microcontrollers for Nuts and Volts magazine and dedicates his work to helping others enjoy programming and designing electronics. His extensive experience and commitment to education shine through this book, making it a practical resource for anyone looking to get started with PICBASIC and embedded systems design.
2002·336 pages·Microcontrollers, PIC Controller, Programming, Embedded Systems, PICBASIC

Chuck Hellebuyck's decades of experience in automotive electronics led him to write this book as a practical gateway into PIC microcontroller programming using PICBASIC. You learn foundational programming concepts like variables and operators, then apply them to the PIC 15F84 model through detailed examples that blend software and hardware insights. The book's hands-on approach, including circuit schematics you can replicate or adapt, makes it especially useful if you're designing embedded systems with PIC microcontrollers. If you're new to PICBASIC or microcontroller programming, this book meets you where you are and takes you step-by-step toward real projects, though seasoned engineers might find some basics familiar.

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Best for hands-on microcontroller starters
John Morton is a recognized author and expert in microcontroller programming, with a strong background in electronics and engineering. His dedication to educating students and enthusiasts shines through in this book, which is widely used in academic settings and by hobbyists alike. Morton’s clear and practical guidance helps you quickly get comfortable with programming and using PIC microcontrollers, making this introductory course a valuable starting point for your electronics journey.
2005·238 pages·Microcontrollers, PIC Controller, Programming, Circuit Design, Embedded Systems

Unlike most technical manuals that dive straight into complex theory, John Morton’s approach focuses on practical engagement, inviting you to start working hands-on with PIC microcontrollers from the get-go. Drawing from his extensive background in electronics and engineering education, Morton structures the book around simple projects that illuminate the PIC’s capabilities, such as programming the versatile PIC16F84 and PIC12F675 devices. This book equips you with foundational skills in microcontroller programming and circuit design, making it especially beneficial if you’re a student, hobbyist, or technician eager to bridge theory and real-world application. You won’t find abstract concepts here; instead, you’ll discover clear explanations and projects that build your competence step by step.

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Best for custom coding plans
This AI-created book on PIC programming is tailored to your experience and goals to help you master PIC controller coding and build projects that matter to you. By focusing on your background and the specific programming topics you want to explore, it offers a learning path unique to your needs. Instead of a one-size-fits-all guide, this book delivers targeted insights that align with your ambitions and helps you tackle PIC programming challenges more efficiently.
2025·50-300 pages·PIC Controller, PIC Controllers, Microcontroller Programming, Embedded Systems, Hardware Integration

This tailored PIC Programming Blueprint explores detailed methods for coding and building projects using PIC controllers, focusing on your specific interests and skill level. It reveals practical techniques for programming PIC microcontrollers, integrating hardware components, and troubleshooting embedded systems. By combining widely validated knowledge with your unique goals, this book offers a personalized learning journey that matches your background and project ambitions. Readers delve into foundational concepts and progress toward advanced coding practices, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of PIC controller applications. This tailored approach helps you build effective, functional projects with confidence, making complex PIC programming accessible and engaging through customized content.

Tailored Guide
Firmware Integration
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for advanced PIC18F C programmers
Dogan Ibrahim graduated with First Class Honours in Electronic Engineering, an MSc in Automatic Control Engineering, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing. Author of over 70 technical books, he brings deep expertise in microcontrollers and electronic engineering to this volume. His extensive experience informs a thorough exploration of the PIC 18F series, guiding you through architecture, programming, and complex project development. This book reflects Ibrahim's commitment to bridging theoretical knowledge and practical application for engineers and hobbyists alike.
2008·560 pages·PIC Controller, Microcontrollers, Embedded Systems, Programming, PIC Microcontrollers

What happens when a seasoned electronic engineer explores the PIC 18F microcontroller series? Dogan Ibrahim, with his extensive academic background and prolific writing career, offers a deep dive into advanced PIC microcontroller projects using C language. You’ll find detailed explanations of the PIC 18FXXX architecture and practical projects like I2C, USB, and CAN bus systems, alongside real-time operating system implementations. The book walks you through the full development cycle, from coding and debugging to deployment, making it a solid choice if you already understand PIC basics and want to expand your skills into complex applications. If you’re aiming to master hands-on embedded system design with the PIC18F, this book speaks directly to your needs.

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Best for mastering PIC32 embedded C
Lucio Di Jasio brings over a decade of experience from his roles at Microchip Inc., including Sales Manager in Europe and Application Segments Manager in Chandler, AZ. His intimate involvement with Microchip PIC development and recognition as a respected author and speaker at events like Microchip Masters uniquely qualify him to guide you through the complexities of the PIC32. This book reflects his expert insight and hands-on approach to embedded system programming, making it a reliable companion for anyone working with 32-bit PIC microcontrollers.
2008·552 pages·Microcontrollers, PIC Controller, Embedded Programming, C Language, Debugging Techniques

Lucio Di Jasio's decades of experience with Microchip PIC products led him to write this detailed exploration of the 32-bit PIC32 microcontrollers. You’ll learn to program and debug embedded control applications in C through sixteen practical chapters, including how to handle interrupts, memory management, and peripheral control. The book offers stepwise projects that grow in complexity, helping you master tasks like controlling LCDs, accessing mass storage, and generating audio/video signals. Whether you’re transitioning from 8- or 16-bit PICs or starting fresh, this book equips you with the insights and examples to leverage the PIC32’s powerful architecture effectively.

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Best for practical 8-bit PIC C coding
Martin P. Bates is a renowned development engineer with extensive expertise in PIC microcontrollers. He has authored multiple books on embedded systems, reflecting deep practical knowledge that informs this volume. Driven to demystify PIC microcontroller programming, Bates combines theoretical insights with hands-on examples and simulation tools, making complex concepts accessible. His background ensures this book is a valuable companion for anyone aiming to understand and program PIC-based systems effectively.
2008·304 pages·Microcontrollers, PIC Controller, Programming, Embedded Systems, Firmware Development

Martin P. Bates brings his extensive engineering experience to this focused guide on programming 8-bit PIC microcontrollers using the C language. The book thoroughly explains both the internal workings of these microcontrollers and the practical aspects of writing firmware with CCS C, supported by detailed circuit schematics and hardware diagrams. You’ll find clear explanations of interfacing principles and access to a suite of downloadable examples and simulations, including the Proteus VSMg simulator and CCS PCM compiler. This resource suits students and engineers who want to build a strong foundation in embedded PIC systems and practical skills in C programming for real-world applications.

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Best for custom development plans
This AI-created book on PIC programming is crafted specifically for your experience level and goals. By sharing your background and what you want to focus on in PIC controllers, you receive a 30-day plan that aligns with your learning pace and interests. This personalized approach makes mastering embedded PIC systems more efficient and relevant, avoiding generic content and targeting what matters most to you.
2025·50-300 pages·PIC Controller, Embedded Systems, PIC Programming, Microcontroller Architecture, C Language

This tailored book offers a focused 30-day plan for mastering embedded PIC Controller systems, crafted to match your background and goals. It explores key concepts in PIC microcontroller architecture, programming in C and assembly, hardware interfacing, and debugging techniques. Each chapter builds on the last, guiding you through practical examples and project development that reflect your specific interests. By combining popular, reader-validated knowledge with your unique learning objectives, this personalized guide reveals essential skills for designing and deploying PIC-based embedded applications efficiently. It’s designed to keep you engaged while delivering a targeted learning experience that addresses your precise needs.

Tailored Guide
Embedded Control Expertise
3,000+ Books Created
Best for real-world PIC design projects
Making PIC Microcontroller Instruments and Controllers stands out in the PIC Controller field by focusing on practical, project-based learning rather than abstract theory. Harprit Singh Sandhu guides you through eight diverse, hands-on projects, such as building a tachometer and an eight-point touch screen, offering detailed schematics and clear illustrations. This approach allows you to configure hardware and software, read sensor inputs, and debug effectively. Whether you're a hobbyist or engineer, the book addresses the challenge of mastering PIC microcontrollers through experience, making it a relevant tool for anyone looking to design versatile PIC-based instruments and controllers.
2009·384 pages·PIC Controller, Electronics, Engineering, PIC Microcontroller, Instrumentation

Harprit Singh Sandhu’s extensive engineering background shines through in this hands-on guide to PIC microcontroller design, focusing on practical skill-building over theory. You’ll learn how to create and troubleshoot real devices through eight detailed projects, from building tachometers to designing touchscreens, with clear schematics and step-by-step instructions. The book benefits hobbyists and professionals alike who want to deepen their understanding of PIC-based instrumentation and control without getting lost in abstract concepts. For example, the chapter on analog-to-digital conversion walks you through reading temperature sensors, making it a solid resource for those developing embedded systems with real-world applications.

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Harprit Singh Sandhu is the founder of Rhino Robotics, a major manufacturer of educational robots and small CNC machines, and author of Making PIC Microcontroller Instruments and Controllers. Drawing on his extensive experience in robotics and embedded hardware, he wrote this book to make motor control with PIC microcontrollers accessible and practical. His deep knowledge ensures that you get detailed circuit diagrams and ready-to-use code, making it easier to bring your motor projects to life.
2009·352 pages·Microcontrollers, PIC Controller, PIC Programming, Motor Control, Circuit Design

Harprit Singh Sandhu brings his expertise as founder of Rhino Robotics to this focused guide on programming PIC microcontrollers for motor control. The book walks you through configuring hardware and software for various small motors, from R/C servos to stepper motors, with clear circuit diagrams and over 2,000 lines of PicBasic Pro code ready for use. You gain practical skills in testing, troubleshooting, and debugging motor control projects, making it especially useful if you design embedded systems or robotics components. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of PIC microcontrollers in applied motor control rather than general theory, this book offers direct, hands-on insights without unnecessary complexity.

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Conclusion

These seven books collectively highlight key themes: practical, project-based learning; stepwise skill-building from basics to complex applications; and real-world PIC microcontroller programming techniques. If you prefer proven methods, start with foundational texts like "Programming PIC Microcontrollers with PICBASIC" or "The PIC Microcontroller". For validated advanced approaches, combine "Advanced PIC Microcontroller Projects In C" with "Programming 32-bit Microcontrollers in C".

For specific applications like motor control or instrument design, Harprit Singh Sandhu’s focused works offer targeted expertise. Alternatively, you can create a personalized PIC Controller book to combine proven methods with your unique needs.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in mastering PIC microcontrollers, providing you a solid foundation and specialized skills to excel in your projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Programming PIC Microcontrollers with PICBASIC" or "The PIC Microcontroller". Both offer clear, hands-on introductions ideal for beginners to build a strong foundation.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to PIC Controller?

No, several books like those by Chuck Hellebuyck and John Morton guide beginners carefully. Advanced books are clearly marked for experienced readers.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with basic programming and hardware concepts, then progress to advanced C programming and specialized topics like motor control for a smooth learning curve.

Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?

You can focus on chapters relevant to your goals, but reading sequentially helps build understanding, especially in beginner texts.

Do these books assume I already have experience in PIC Controller?

Some do, like "Advanced PIC Microcontroller Projects In C", but others start from scratch, making them accessible regardless of your experience.

How can I get content tailored to my specific PIC Controller needs?

While expert books provide valuable insights, personalized PIC Controller books combine proven methods with your unique goals. Consider creating a custom PIC Controller book for focused learning.

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