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I had always wanted to build my own robots and feedback control system without relying on PC interface or expensive onboard computers (such as PC/104). Then, around 2002, I came across Atmel micro-controller series- AT89C51, AT89C2051, AT89C4051, .... They are 8-bit microcomputers with Flash programmable and erasable read only memory. They are also compatible with the industry-standard MCS-51 instruction set and pinout.
This powerful micro-controllers have been one of the main computing tool for my small robots and control systems. If I need more computing power or larger program size, then I can use multiple of them by having them communicate with each other with serial communication. I can even make my own communication protocol.
As a first step, I built this small computer system where I learned to do the following things:
- LCD display
- A/D converter
- D/A converter
- RC servo motor control
- RS232 serial communication
- On-chip timers
Now, I am ready to build my own robots and feedback control systems !
