The AVR microcontroller and Embedded systems: Using Assembly and C
The AVR microcontroller from Atmel (now Microchip) is one of the most widely used 8-bit microcontrollers in the world. In this book the authors use a step-by-step and systematic approach to show the programming of the AVR chip. Examples in both Assembly language and C show how to program many of the AVR features, such as timers, serial communication, ADC, SPI, I2C, and PWM. The text is organized into two parts 1) The first 6 chapters use Assembly language programming to examine the internal architecture of the AVR. 2) Chapters 7-18 uses both Assembly and C to show the AVR peripherals and I/O interfacing to real-world devices such as LCD, motor, and sensor. This book was previously published by Pearson. Now, it is available through Amazon at a lower price. Since the Amazon books have a 630-page limit, some sections of Chapter 8, Section 18-5, and the Appendices of the book are uploaded to the following website and are freely available in PDF format: http://www.microdigitaled.com/AVR/AVR_book_v1.htm
Why Read This Book
You will get a clear, hands-on introduction to programming the ubiquitous 8-bit AVR family using both Assembly and C so you can understand low-level hardware behavior and write real firmware. The book’s step-by-step examples walk you through timers, serial, ADC, SPI/I2C, PWM, and real I/O projects (LCD, motors, sensors), making it practical for learning how hardware and software interface in embedded systems.
Who Will Benefit
Students and early-career embedded engineers who want a thorough, example-driven grounding in AVR internals and firmware development using Assembly and C.
Level: Beginner — Prerequisites: Basic digital logic and electronics concepts, comfort with binary/hex number systems, and fundamental C programming; no prior AVR experience required.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the AVR internal architecture and instruction set at the assembly level
- Write and debug firmware in both AVR Assembly and C for timers, UART, ADC, SPI, I2C, and PWM
- Interface common peripherals and sensors (LCDs, motors, switches) and implement practical I/O routines
- Use interrupts and low-power modes to build responsive, efficient embedded applications
- Translate hardware requirements into register-level code and integrate with toolchains (assembler/C compiler, programmer)
Topics Covered
- Part I — AVR Architecture and Assembly: Overview of AVR family and core architecture
- Instruction set and assembly language programming
- Data representation, addressing modes, and arithmetic/logic in AVR
- Controlling I/O ports and bit manipulation
- Timers, counters, and PWM in assembly
- Interrupts and control flow
- Part II — Peripherals and C Programming: Introduction to embedded C for AVR
- Serial communication (UART) and USART programming
- Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC) and sensor interfacing
- Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) and I2C/TWI buses
- Pulse-width modulation (PWM) and motor control
- Interfacing LCDs, keypads, and real-world sensors/actuators
- Design examples, projects, and system integration
- Appendices: instruction set summary, electrical specs, and programming resources
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
More textbook-style and assembly-focused than Elliot Williams' Make: AVR Programming (which is more hobbyist/toolchain-centric); similar hands-on coverage to other Mazidi titles but specifically targets AVR assembly plus C rather than ARM or PIC families.
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