PIC Links

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Lots of external PIC Links, a few on this site.

Section 0[edit]

In some cases the links are to search results, all these searches give results that have been judged useful, they are not just shots in the dark. These sites may be project sites like instructables or various blogs. Sometimes individual project from the same sites are listed separately.

Key words to help you search the table.

  • Asm: for assembler programs
  • BootLoader: for bootloader software.
  • Clang: for C programs.
  • Compiler: so you can program in something resembling a language, include assemblers which is technically not correct. In a section of their own.
  • DBoard: development board for the controller
  • Eagle: If the projects include eagle files for making the circuit boards.
  • Forum: for a forum, mail list and their ilk.
  • Info: Useful information that does not rise to a tutorial, misc. tips.
  • Links: a link to more links
  • PICIntro: Intro material
  • Projects: project descriptions, enough to reproduce the project, not just nice pictures.
  • Programmer: programmer, hardware or software ( to program you need both plus a compiler ). In a section of their own.
  • Stepper: for stepper motors.
  • Servo: for servo motors.
  • Tutorial: a tutorial or how to.
  • WebRing: for a Web Ring.


So, for example, if you are looking for projects then search on Projects.

Note: Help us out with this list by adding links or improving the site comments, fix errors....

Open Circuits Own Pages[edit]

Topic Topic Link Comment
  • Project
  • PIC
  • Clang

A Really Basic Guide to the PIC Microprocessor and BoostC

Very Basic, that is BoostC.

  • Project
  • PIC
  • Clang
  • Eagle

PIC based Stepper Motor Dancing Analog Clock

One very confused clock. Project includes source code, BoostC project file, and eagle ( single sided board for toner transfer ) file.

  • Links
  • PIC

Microcontroller Serial Communications Articles

A series of pages of interest to those who would like to use serial communications with a PIC

  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
  • BoostC
Serial Communications Library -- BoostC and 16F877A A library with source code for serial communications with the PIC. Includes a demo application showing how to use the library.
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
  • BoostC
  • Eagle
PointLess LED Array Displays characters and words on an array of LEDs. Includes source code, BoostC project file, and eagle ( single sided board for toner transfer ) files.
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
  • BoostC
Russ Hensel's EL Wire Project More of a proposal than a project, looking for collaborators.
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
  • BoostC
  • Eagle
Stepper Motor Tester Demonstrate and test stepper motors. Includes source code, BoostC project file, and eagle ( single sided board for toner transfer ) files.
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
  • BoostC
Experimenting with IR Remotes using a PIC running BoostC Project Includes source code, BoostC project file.
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
  • BoostC
Experimenting with Stepper Motors as Rotary Encoders using a PIC running BoostC Project Includes source code, BoostC project file.
  • CLang
  • INFO
Use C for PIC Programming! If you program, you need to pic a language.
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
  • Stepper
PIC Stepper Motor Controller Running a stepper with little external support.
  • PIC
  • CLang
  • BootLoader
  • PICIntro
  • Tutorial
Playing With PIC Pack library of PIC C code for BoostC

Section 1[edit]

Topic Topic Link Comment
  • Links
  • PIC

Microchip Net resources

This has the most links on the PIC that I have seen in one place.

  • Projects
  • Info
  • PIC
Welcome to the official PICList home page. This is the place to go for a PIC message board, also many articles. Do not post here until you know what you are doing.

http://embeddedadventures.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html

  • Info
  • Clang
  • PIC
Embedded Adventures Seems to be a blog, in many parts, about a very interesting utility library for the PIC. In Boostc.
  • Info
  • General Links
  • PIC
PIC hints and direction A a page of links. Small DC Power Supply, other link pages, may be useful.
  • Project
  • PIC
  • Asm
Casio data loggerAs Bring the REAL world inside the Casio! AWARD - This design has been judged the "best overall" at the Circuit Cellar Ink "Design 98" Contest sponsored by Microchip and Hewlett Packard. As seen on CIRCUIT CELLAR issue 99, oct '98
  • Projects
  • PIC

Mondo Technology

This is an educational site of PIC Projects in various stages of development along with pictures, source files, object code files, schematics, and board layouts. You are welcome to use what you like at your own risk.
  • Info
  • PIC
Pick a Peck of PIC's Library Interesting not always easy.
  • Project
  • PIC
  • Asm
LOGAN18: Logic Analyser based on the 18F252 A very simple low-cost logic analyser using the PIC18F252 of PIC18F2525 as capture device and a windows based PC for display.
  • Project
  • PIC
Electronic combination lock with PIC Electronic combination lock with PIC
  • Project
  • PIC
F-Logger: A frequency recorder F-Logger is a frequency recorder. Its primary goal is to easily check the drift of a VFO over a long duration.

It is a variation of the well published PIC 16F84 frequency counters on the web like the "Weeder 50 MHz frequency counter"

  • Info
  • Tutorial
  • PICIntro
  • PIC
Beginners checklist for PIC Microcontrollers Beginners checklist for PIC Microcontrollers. An excellent place to start.
  • Links
  • PIC
Spread Spectrum Scene PIC STUFF Lots of links.
  • Project
  • PIC
Peter's electronic projects and links Not all PIC but quite a few.
  • Info
  • PICIntro
  • Project
  • PIC
What is a PICmicro? This guy is very smart, a good site.
  • Pic
  • Links
PicMicro Webring If you do not know what a WebRing perhaps you can figure it out from here.
  • Project
  • Robotics
  • PIC

Stepbots

A stepbot is a three wheeled robot using stepper motors.

  • Project
  • Pic
An Anemometer Circuit Measure wind speed. This has no moving parts, works by measuring cooling of a “hot” transistor. Fairly low parts count.
  • Project
  • PIC
Bench Power Supply Uses a PIC for control and to measure voltage and current. Not simple but nice.
  • Project
  • PIC
IR Remote Signal Analyzer Pretty big PIC project, but cool. Know what your IR remote is sending. IR receivers are a pretty common salvage component
  • Project
  • Tutorial
  • PIC
IR Receiver for Sony Remotes Simpler project than IR Remote Signal Analyzer which may be the better project
  • Project
  • PIC
PIC diode tester Nice simple project. Good Starting project. Software is assembler.
  • Project
  • PIC
PIC IR Decoders Decodes IR transmissions, has its own 4 digit display. Software is assembler.
  • Project
  • PIC
IR Proximity Detector Project More fun with IR
  • Robotics
  • Links
  • PIC
INDEX OF PROJECTS for Robots Not entire robots but basic components for them. Some are PIC based.
  • Project
  • PIC
IR Robot Controller Control of a robot. Software is assembler.
  • PICIntro
  • Tutorial
  • PIC
Your first PICMicro Project Introduction to PIC processors using assembler. Even if you are using another language this is a good introduction.
  • Tutorial
  • PICIntro
  • PIC
Beginning Embedded Electronics This is not actually a PIC tutorial but lots of the material applies. This link is to the first of 10 + sections.
  • Kit
  • PIC
Fire-Stick This is an under $20. kit for long range IR communications. Uses some special parts so kit is probably a good idea.
  • Project
  • PIC
How to build a Serial Voltmeter using the PIC16C71 Software in PIC basic, you could rewrite in a different language, or use a different chip. Voltmeter talks to a PC. They may have a kit, you may do not need it.
  • Tutorial
  • Links
  • PicIntro
  • PIC
The PIC Chip Uncovered Introduction to the PIC.
  • Project
  • PIC
Battery Charger Nice little battery charger. Universal Nicad/NiMH Includes printed circuit design. Software is assembler.
  • Tutorial
  • PICIntro
  • PIC
Using the MicroChip PIC Microcontroller A technical overview designed for students. Another simple introduction.
  • Tutorial
  • PICIntro
  • PIC
pic Micro Programming In Boostc For Beginners Good beginner level.
  • Project
  • PICIntro
  • Tutorial
  • PIC
WinPicProg PIC Tutorial Good introduction. Software is assembler. A series of simple projects. Good introduction to simple interface circuits. You might want to use a different programmer
  • Project
  • PIC
Nix's PIC based sonar system This is a simple range detection system, perhaps for a robot. Directions are a bit brief.
  • Project
  • PIC
A Surprisingly Accurate Digital LC Meter L is inductance ( what a coil of wire has. C is capacitance, what a capacitor has ). Very useful to identify unmarked parts.
  • Project
  • PIC
Autorange Capacitance Meter Measure the value of a capacitance ( the stuff in a capacitor ). Auto ranging means the device switches itself between low and high measurement ranges.
  • CLang
  • PIC
C sample code for PIC micros and Hi-Tech C From Microchip. Lots of example programs in C: note that different versions of C can be quite different, esp. in their included libraries.
  • CLang
  • PIC
C Compiler Example Code Lots of example programs in C: note that different versions of C can be quite different, esp. in their included libraries. Sample projects for the Microchip PIC micro series of microcontrollers, including the PIC12x, PIC16x, PIC18x, PIC24x, and dsPICx microcontrollers.

Code is targeted at the Hi-Tech C compiler, from www.htsoft.com, the C18 or C30 compiler from www.microchip.com, or CCS C.

  • Info
  • PIC
  • Links
Embedded Systems/PIC Microcontroller A wiki, a bit brief, may be improved over time. Seems to share at least one author ( you know who you are ) with this wiki.
  • Project
  • PIC
PIC Projects based on flash pic microcontrollers. A big collection of projects.
  • PIC
  • Forum
The official Microchip forum Lots of discussion -- try using Google to search this site, rather than the built-in search tool.
  • CLang
  • ASM

Microchip "Code Module Library"

While different versions of C are different, these may help no matter which version you are using. Some versions of Microchips compilers are free.
  • ASM
Dring Engineering Services Wizards and calculators for generating PIC code.
  • Project
  • ASM
PIC Based Logic Probe Might be handy around your lab.
  • Tutorial
Introduction - How I got into using the PIC 16F628, 16F876 and other processors One person's experience.
  • Project
PICGuide.org Lots of projects.
  • Project

Drake: PICmicro and Maarten's computer

A nice little game built out of a PICmicro, a 2-line LCD screen, and a few supporting components on a solderless breadboard. Also more complex version with larger screen display. Source code and schematics available for download.

  • Tutorial
  • ASM
[triggers spam filter: www.geocities.com/nozomsite/pic1.htm PIC 16F84] Nice little introduction, more stuff elsewhere on site.
  •  ?
  • ASM
ICwiki The ICwiki at microchip.com.
  • CLang
  • ASM
  • Info
  • Tutorial
Wiki about Microchip USB PIC Wiki dedicated to PIC microcontrollers with a USB interface (such as PIC18F2550, PIC18F4550, PIC18F2553, etc.)

PIC USB tutorial. is this link misplaced

  • CLang
  • PIC
  • Project
  • Tutorial
Pyros Electro Seems to have quite a bit of original material and some links to other sites. Tutorials are nice. I think this is a new site ( Feb 08 ).
  • Pic
  • Project
The Turing Alarm Clock You have to prove you can think to turn off your alarm clock!
  • Project
PP06 PIC Programmer Software Has some open hardware PIC programmer designs. (Also open source software to use with them).
  • PIC
  • Info
PIC vs. AVR OK, I know what you people want. You want ultimate fighting, embedded E.E. style. You want to know WHICH IS BETTER, PIC OR AVR?
  • CLang
  • PIC
  • Project
Generate Ring Tones on your PIC16F87x Microcontroller Looks good.
  • PIC
  • CLang
  • Project
RevMaster - A Simple Tachometer Tony Jeffree Wednesday, 07 February 2007 For machine tools. Optical sensor.
  • ?Lang
  • PIC
  • Project
USB LED scrolling marquee sign A bit of POV here. Read to see how to drive a lot of LED's ( or at least one way ). Has boot loader and hex file, not sure if source code is there.
  • PIC
  • ?Lang
  • Project
2.5 GHz Frequency counter From the site: "This project describes a very powerful frequency counter.

Very simple construction which everyone can build. 6 LED display will present the frequency with 1kHz resolution and RS232 communication to computer is available as option. The software has also been implemented with some smart functions, for calculating frequencies in receivers where IF is 455kHz or 10.7MHz. I present schematic, PCB, components and window software." Not sure if site has source code, does have hex file

  • CLang
  • PIC
  • Tutorial
PIC 12F675 Microcontroller Tutorial. Not that many introductory tutorials are done in C, this one is. There is some sort of sale of the source code, this may be a problem.
  • CLang
  • PIC
  • Project
PIC Programming for Biollante "a bunch of working examples of using the PIC16F628A with SDCC." (the open-source Simple Device C Compiler) (part of a blog discussing building a RepRap rapid-prototyping machine)
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
  • ASM
Open Programmer An open source USB PIC Programmer based on 18F2550, with support for Linux an Windows
  • PIC
  • Projects
  • CLang
  • Tutorials
Best-Microcontroller-Projects.com Site Says: "Looking For The Best Microcontroller Projects And Resources?" Here you can find microcontroller Tools Projects and Tutorials designed

by me... russ_hensel says lots of interesting info.

  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
  • ASM
Demo here LED Blinking Demo PIC 16f84A
  • PIC
  • Projects
  • CLang
  • Tutorials
Pic USB Application

Pic USB Bootloader kit

Site Says: "Looking For The PIC and 8051 Microcontroller Projects And Tutorials?" Here you can find microcontroller Tools Projects and Tutorials.

Focus on BoostC[edit]

There are links in other sections, but this section specialized in BoostC, use page search to find all.

Topic Topic Link Comment
  • BoostC
  • PIC

Rotary Encoder

Code to read a rotery encoder and communicate over a serial link using PIC16F87x. On the boostc forum.
  • BoostC
  • PIC

Using I2c Functions With 16f877

I2C driver working on a 16F887. On the boostc forum.


Section 2[edit]

Topic Topic Link Comment
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
DE-ACCM5G Application Note G Meter This is in some ways a promotion for the accelerometer they are selling but still looks like an interesting project. accelerometer is about $20. might be worth a look.
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
Building a simple vibration meter This is in some ways a promotion for the accelerometer they are selling but still looks like an interesting project. accelerometer is about $20. might be worth a look.
  • CLang
  • PIC
  • Project
PIC Based Tengu From the site: In this article Juan Mateos creates a PIC version of the Tengu companion. Tengu was originally developed by Crispin Jones as a USB controlled LED matrix that made faces and lip synced to music or other sounds it hears with a built in microphone.
  • CLang
  • PIC
  • Project
Schematics and C code for a PIC frequency counter circuit operating up to about 50 MHz. Looks interesting.
  • Links
  • PIC
  • Project
PIC Projects based on flash pic microcontrollers. Some of these projects are already listed here.
  • Asm
  • PIC
  • Project
3 channel IR remote control and some theory for IR remotes.
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
  • DBoard
USB Bit Whacker From the site: The UBW board is a small board that contains a Microchip PIC USB-capable microcontroller, headers to bring out all of the PICs signal lines (to a breadboard for example), only costs about $15-$20 to build and is powered from the USB connection. There seem to be a fair number of additional projects based on this device. Google "Bit Wacker".
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
USB Audio Streamer A Microchip PIC based USB sound card Farily low chip count project.
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
PINGPONG-CDC A FHSS USB RF Modem Demonstrates how to use frequency hopping techniques to create a bidirectional link.
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
XE1205-RNDIS FHSS USB Wireless Ethernet The PINGPONG-CDC project that emulates Ethernet via RNDIS rather then a serial link.
  • POV LED Array
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
RFDISPLAY A Scrolling Display with RF connection to a PC Lots and lots of LED's. Wireless!
  • POV LED
  • PIC
  • Project
  • ?Lang
How to drive an led display matrix. Some basics. Uses row and column drive.
  • POV LED Array
  • PIC
  • Project
  • ?Lang
Picxie - Animated LED Signboard A little 4 by 4 display
  • POV LED Array
  • PIC
  • Project
  • ?Lang
Picxie 2 - 8x8 Animated LED Signboard Just what it says.
  • POV LED Array
  • PIC
  • Project
  • ?Lang
5x7 DISPLAY A series of experiments with a 5 x 7 display.
  • PIC
  • Tutorial
  • Asm
PIC Elmer 160 Course Lessons Tutorial in Asembley Language.
  • Tutorial
  • PIC
  • Project
  • PICBasic
Digital-DIY.net Spency PICBasic This site has heaps of examples on how to interface with different components with PIC micro's and PICBasic. As I learn something new, I'll throw it on the site, like a keeping an online record as a reference. All of the examples can be explored by using the navigation tree at the bottom of any page, or by going to either the 16F Home or 18F Home page.
  • PIC
  • Projects
  • BoostC
PIC Projects with source code I am a fan of BoostC
  • PIC
  • Projects
  • ?Lang
PIC Microcontroller Projects Review me
  • PIC
  • DBoard
PIC based ready to use OEM boards Embedded Sense Inc offers the OEM boards, based on the Microchip dsPIC® and PIC18F®. Each model is designed to meet different price/performance requirements with the smallest possible footprint.
  • PIC
  • Tutorial
  • CLang
PIC CCS C Interrupts HOW-TO One of the few tutorial on interrupts in C. A Wiki.
  • PIC
  • Info
  • Wiki
PIC microcontroller From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Always good to check Wikipedia
  • PIC
  • Projects
  • Tutorials
  • Info
Welcome to the home of 1337-Robotics 1337 Robotics was formed by what was then a group of friends studying Cybernetics at University. We needed a name to produce our projects under, and thus "1337 Robotics" was born! -- Not all PIC but a bunch on the site, poke around, more linking to different parts would be good. Tutorials include a good one on interrupts in C.
  • PIC
  • Tutorial
  • Asm
Connect to the PIC Series of tutorials including interrupt processing. Part of a loarger site which also looks interesting.
  • PIC
  • Tutorial
  • Asm
PIC Interrupts - Part 1 A nice tutorial, I think there may be a part 2 as well. Part of a larger site. PIC Interrupts - Part 1
  • Books
  • PIC
  • Tutorials
  • LangMany
Scribd This site has a bunch of useful documents - books -- for free download. You need to register. Search on "PIC Microcontroller"
  • PIC
  • CLang
Peter H. Anderson - Embedded Processor Control Fairly large site with lots of stuff, some not PIC but lots is. Some stuff for sale. Could use a better review.
  • PIC
  • Links
PIC Links Lots of links, some seem to be out of date

Section 3[edit]

Topic Topic Link Comment


  • PIC
  • Project
  • ?Lang
PIC 32 Design Challenge A contest for high end PICs
  • Info
  • Link
  • PIC
  • Project
  • ?Lang
Browse Application Notes Lots of application notes, include techniques and projects. Worth looking over. Bookmark does not work well you may need to choose: -> Product Line: 8-bit PIC® Microcontrollers -> All
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
  • Asm
Electro Art A collection of PIC projects -- could use more discription here.
  • PIC
  • Project
  • CLang
  • Asm
PIC Microcontrollers A variety of PIC projects -- could use more discription here.
  • PIC
  • Project
  • Asm
PIC software downloads Software for working with PICs or PIC projects. -- could use more discription here, will you do it?
  • Assorted
  • PIC
www.RomanBlack.com An assortmentment of stuff including PIC stuff.
  • Clang
  • PIC
  • Projects
  • Info
  • Tutorial
PIC Programming for High School Students In this series of tutorials you will learn to program the PIC18F family of micro controllers using MPLAB and the Student version of MCC18 C compiler. See the MPLAB and MCC18 documentation for more details on these products.

In this class the student learns the material required to build a microprocessor based robot. The intended audience is the person who knows nothing about electronics or programming. Some level of computer experience is desirable. Every effort will be made to introduce information on a level which is understandable by bright people as young as 12, average people over the age of 18.

  • Projects
  • PIC
  • Tutorial
  • Info
  • CLang
Rickey's World of MicroControllers Interesting site, lots of content. More review info would be useful.
  • PIC
  • Project
  • Asm
Cheap Logic Analyzer Nice project to turn your pc into a Logic Analyzer
  • PIC
  • Tutorial
  • CLang
Learn C with FED Tutorial on C
  • PIC
  • Tutorial
  • CLang
Baseline PIC C Programming Tutorials Tutorial on C
  • PIC
  • Tutorial
  • CLang
Book: PIC Microcontrollers - Programming in C Tutorial on C

Compiler Section[edit]

Topic Topic Link Comment
  • PIC
  • Compiler
  • CLang
BoostC Compiler Overview BoostC from SourceBoost Complete with IDE, Source code debugger and other nice features. Not pricy. Wide range of PIC's inc 16F and 18 F supported. Active formum. Several projects on this Wiki. Seems to be being actively developed. Free version for up to 2K programs.
  • PIC
  • Compiler
  • CLang
WIZ-C Version 11 Review me! Price does not seem too steep.
  • PIC
  • Compiler
  • CLang
MPC C Compiler for Microchip PIC MPC supports the Microchip PIC 12/14/16/17 families, including 8K and flash parts.

The MPC Code Development System includes:

  • an optimizing C Cross-compiler.
  • the BCLink linker.
  • an Integrated Development Environment and editor.
  • a built-in macro cross-assembler.
  • PIC
  • Compiler
  • CLang
SDCC - Small Device C Compiler SDCC is a retargettable, optimizing ANSI - C compiler that will "soon" support the Microchip PIC16 and PIC18 series (and many other microcontrollers).

SDCC is Free Open Source Software, distributed under GNU General Public License (GPL). SDCC itself runs on Linux, Microsoft Windows, and Mac OS X. Piklab and several other IDEs at sourceforge support SDCC. SDCC wiki.

  • PIC
  • Compiler
  • python
Pyastra: python assembler translator Not sure why Python would work well, but I do not know Python. Thing is free, how about someone try it and let us know.
  • PIC
  • Compiler
Microcontroller and Electronics Projects Links Contains lot of Electronics projects including circuits.
  • PIC
  • Compiler
Pic Micro Pascal compiler - Home site Pic Micro Pascal compiler
  • PIC
  • Eagle
  • DBoard
  • Project
18 pin PIC Development Board From the link: I have long been playing with Microchip PICs but have always made do without some form of development board. To that end I have designed a basic board that I was hoping to get some input for. I haven't yet made this board as I am waiting for some kit to turn up to finish it off and make it, however I thought others may be in a position to use or modify it.

Programmers/BootLoaders Section[edit]

Programmers -- the hardware/software to burn the program into your chip -- Searching the internet you will find a ton, some opne source, some kits, some assembled. Or design your own you will belong to a club of 100s ?

Topic Topic Link Comment
  • PIC
  • Programmer
PIC Programmers, In Circuit Programming and BootLoaders A discussion of bootloaders and programmers
  • PIC
  • Programmer
WinPic - A PIC Programmer for Windows Software, Open source
  • PIC
  • Programmer
Usbpicprog - an open source USB PIC programmer for Windows, Linux and Macosx Software, Hardware, Open source
  • PIC
  • Programmer
Ebay Search For hardware programmers search ebay, typically there are quite a few, not expensive ( < $50 ) Often USB ( good? ).
  • PIC
  • BootLoader
Tiny PIC bootloader 16F and 18F chips. Has a terminal emulator
  • PIC
  • Programmer
PICPgm - PIC Development Programmer A free and simple PIC Development Programmer Software for Windows. This freeware programmer Software supports 10F, 12F, 16F and 18F PICs. Also dsPIC30F devices are supported now.
  • PIC
  • Programmer
PICPgm - PIC Development Programmer A free and simple PIC Development Programmer Software for Windows



Forum Mail Lists Etc[edit]

Topic Topic Link Comment
  • PIC
[Micro Controllers Discuss all aspects of micro controllers - building them, coding them, etc. All controllers are welcome - PIC, BASIC, Z8 Encore!, etc. http://www.electro-tech-online.com/micro-controllers/]
  • PIC
  • Wiki
Welcome to the ECE 445 Wiki! This portion of the site is designed to allow ECE 445 students to collaboratively create and maintain online guides to common topics. The wiki is completely open to all Web users, but the ability to edit is limited to UIUC students and faculty.


display type[edit]

display type is not particularly PIC-specific -- is there a better page for this section?

The most common ways of communicating from a microcontroller to a person (roughly in order of increasing complexity and increasing data density) are:

  • a few fixed LEDs; 1 microcontroller pin per LED (with 8 free pins, can drive up to 8 LEDs)
  • character LCD display
  • a matrix of LEDs; each column connected to 1 microcontroller pin; each row connected to 1 microcontroller pin (with 8 free pins, can drive up to 4x4= 16 LEDs)
  • Charlieplexing; each column connected to 1 microcontroller pin; each row connected to 1 microcontroller pin (with 8 free pins, can drive up to 8*7= 56 LEDs) (Wikipedia: Charlieplexing)
  • shift register; microcontroller shifts bits one at a time into a SIPO shift register chip; 1 SIPO output pin per LED (with 4 free microcontroller pins, can drive any number of LEDs)(typically uses a 74HC595 Popular Parts).
  • mechanically-scanned POV: a linear row of LEDs is wiped across a large area. Each LED is turned on and off with precise timing to generate a 2D image. (p.s.: each LED must be directly driven from the microcontroller or a shift register. "matrix" or "Charlieplexing" does not work in combination with mechanically scanned POV.)