port/ pin explanation 16F877

[emmett brown]

Where do I find a simple explanation as to what "port" means in relation to RE0 RE1... these are port "E" right same as port RA0 RA1... are port A? and what does that have to do with pin numbers? What is the purpose of "ports" except to be able to group pins as in make them all inputs or outputs? 16f877 is the PIC. Are there any better pins/ports to use for different things? I need one HPWM out right now (either pin 16 or 17 I believe) And RA0 & RE0 for adc inputs. Would it be good to use PORTB.0=0 AND PORTB.1=0 to drive two led's? would those pins be 33 and 34? Just trying to absorb the hardware variables. Too much to learn too little time. Thanks again to an excellent forum. Emmett

[BobK]

Hi Emmett,

Have you gotten a hold of a datasheet for the 16F877? If not go to www.microchip.com and enter PIC16F877 in the search box and download the .pdf manual on the chip. In there you will get a complete breakdown of the insides of the 877as well as a few other close members of the family. They also have a family manual you should also look at. Everything you need to know about PICs is in the manual. Also look into the PBP manual about ports and pins.

Have anice day!

BobK

[emmett brown]

Yes I do but I seem to be able to always complicate the obvious. I'll try until it makes sense like PBP is starting to. Thanks a lot for all you'all do! Emmett