MC68HC11: An Introduction - Software and Hardware Interfacing, 2nd Edition
The new, second edition of this comprehensive book on the 68HC11 microcontroller from Motorola is unique in that it uses both the assembly language (for better hardware control and execution time) and the C language (for faster projection completion) to instruct readers in the basics of interface programming. Now featuring greater numbers of exercises in every chapter - plus new tutorials on the EVB and CMD11-A8 demo boards and use of the C compiler - this edition of MC68HC11-An Introduction utilizes a methodical, step-by-step approach to facilitate learning. Numerous examples are also featured throughout the book to ensure complete understanding of topics, such as: assembly language programming, I/O interface programming in C, memory interfacing, interrupt and rest processing, parallel I/O interfacing, serial communication port, SPI interfacing, and data acquisition. And an all-new chapter serves as a C programming refresher course, while the incorporation of flowcharts and/or algorithmic procedures for most programs aids in the reader in acquiring an overall understanding of program logic. Improved coverage of multi-precision division, updated LCD interfacing examples, discussion of the i8225 interfacing chip, plus detailed coverage of humidity and sensor signal processing is also featured in this edition.
Why Read This Book
You should read this book if you want a pragmatic, example-driven introduction to the MC68HC11 that teaches low-level control in assembly alongside higher-level development in C. It walks you through hardware interfacing, interrupts, timers and serial I/O with exercises and EVB/CMD11 demo board tutorials so you can take theory directly to working firmware.
Who Will Benefit
Engineers and students who need a focused, hands-on introduction to 68HC11 firmware and hardware interfacing — especially those maintaining legacy systems or learning fundamental microcontroller interfacing techniques.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Basic digital electronics (logic levels, buses), familiarity with binary/hex, and some prior exposure to C or another programming language; comfort reading datasheets will help.
Key Takeaways
- Write and debug MC68HC11 assembly routines for low-level control.
- Implement I/O interfacing and memory-mapped bus circuits for external peripherals.
- Use C to develop firmware for the HC11 and mix C with assembly for performance-critical sections.
- Configure and handle interrupts, timers, and reset/exception processing on the HC11.
- Implement serial communications (SCI) and basic analog/digital interfacing on HC11 evaluation boards.
- Use EVB/CMD11-A8 demo hardware and cross-toolchains to build, load, and test real firmware.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to the MC68HC11 family and development environment
- Number systems, data representation, and assembly language basics
- MC68HC11 instruction set and addressing modes
- Assembly language programming and examples
- Using C with the MC68HC11 and interfacing C with assembly
- I/O ports, parallel interfacing and bus timing
- Memory organization, expansion and external memory interfacing
- Interrupts, reset processing and interrupt-driven design
- Timers, pulse and event timing
- Serial communications (SCI/SPI) and data transfer
- A/D conversion and basic analog interfacing
- Using the EVB and CMD11-A8 demo boards; practical project examples
- Debugging, development tools, and appendices (register summary, instruction quick-reference)
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Covers the same practical, hands-on ground as other microcontroller introductions (and older HC11 texts) but stands out by pairing HC11 assembly with C and EVB-based tutorials; compared with more modern MCU books it is HC11-specific and more legacy-focused.
