USB the easy way with a PIC18F2455 microcontroller

Are you ready to jump on the Universal Serial Bus (USB) bandwagon? Maybe you have an existing embedded application you would like to update to use USB. Maybe you have a new PIC application you would like to develop to use USB. In this article we explore the basics of an easy way of getting data into and out of a PIC18F2455 microcontroller using its USB interface.

The design allows existing RS232 devices to be controlled by a Windows 2000/XP USB connection. In addition, l.e.d.s can be controlled over the USB. Although the design is simple, it illustrates the process of getting data into and out of the PIC over a USB connection. The “easy way” approach to USB makes maximum use of existing free software and Windows drivers.