Serial Port (UART) - 7.4.2 | Module 7: Microcontrollers: The 8051 System | Microcontroller
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7.4.2 - Serial Port (UART)

Practice

Interactive Audio Lesson

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Introduction to UART

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today, we're delving into the Serial Port, specifically the Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, or UART, in the 8051 microcontroller. Can anyone tell me what 'full-duplex' means in this context?

Student 1
Student 1

Does it mean that data can be sent and received at the same time?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly, great answer! Full-duplex communication allows for simultaneous transmission and reception of data.

Student 2
Student 2

So, UART makes it easier for the microcontroller to talk to other devices?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! It enables convenient connections with devices like PCs and other microcontrollers.

Student 3
Student 3

What does SBUF stand for?

Teacher
Teacher

SBUF stands for Serial Buffer Register. It's where you write data to transmit and where you read data that has been received.

Student 4
Student 4

Is the SBUF register bit-addressable?

Teacher
Teacher

No, SBUF is not bit-addressable. It's used as a whole register for reading and writing data.

Teacher
Teacher

To summarize, UART allows for simultaneous communication between devices, utilizing SBUF for data transfer. Keep this in mind as we move forward!

Understanding Control Registers

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Now let’s shift our focus to control registers, specifically SCON. Who can explain why we need control registers for UART?

Student 1
Student 1

They help in setting up the modes of operation, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! SCON allows us to configure the UART's behavior, such as enabling reception or selecting operation modes. Can anyone describe the different modes in SCON?

Student 2
Student 2

Mode 0 is the shift register, right? And then there are also 8-bit UART modes?

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! Mode 0 is indeed the shift register mode, while Modes 1 and 3 are 8-bit UART modes with different baud rates.

Student 3
Student 3

What about PCON? What role does that play?

Teacher
Teacher

PCON is the Power Control Register. It includes a bit that can double the baud rate for modes 1, 2, and 3 when set. Understanding both SCON and PCON is vital for effective UART communication!

Teacher
Teacher

To summarize, control registers are essential for setting operational parameters of UART. Understanding SCON and PCON helps you tailor communication rates effectively.

Baud Rate Generation

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Let’s discuss baud rate generation now. Why is this crucial for UART communication?

Student 4
Student 4

It determines how fast data is sent over the serial connection, right?

Teacher
Teacher

That's correct! The baud rate, or bits per second, impacts how quickly devices can communicate. We typically utilize Timer 1 to set this rate in UART.

Student 2
Student 2

Can you show us how to calculate the baud rate?

Teacher
Teacher

Of course! The formula is: Baud Rate = F_oscillator/(384 * (256-TH1)). If you know F_oscillator, you can adjust TH1 to achieve your desired baud rate.

Student 4
Student 4

What happens if the baud rate is too high?

Teacher
Teacher

If it's too high, data can get corrupted. Always ensure devices have matching baud rates for successful communication.

Teacher
Teacher

So, remember that baud rate determines data speed in UART, relying on Timer 1 and TH1 to set rates properly. It's a crucial step in successful serial communication!

Practical Applications of UART

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Now let's connect our theory to practice—where do we see UART being used?

Student 1
Student 1

In GPS modules and sensors?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, exactly! UART is commonly used in communication with GPS systems, sensors, and other peripherals.

Student 3
Student 3

What about debugging? Does UART play a role there?

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! UART can be employed for debugging purposes, allowing developers to send messages to a console or terminal.

Student 2
Student 2

Can it be used in wireless communication too?

Teacher
Teacher

Definitely! UART can interface with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi modules, facilitating wireless data exchanges.

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, UART serves multiple roles in embedded systems for communication, including interfacing with sensors, debugging, and wireless connections!

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

The 8051 microcontroller features a full-duplex Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), enabling reliable serial communication with external devices.

Standard

In this section, we explore the built-in serial port (UART) of the 8051 microcontroller, which supports full-duplex communication. Key concepts include various control registers, baud rate generation, operating modes, and the significance of the serial communication in embedded systems.

Detailed

The 8051 microcontroller integrates a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), allowing it to communicate with other devices asynchronously and full-duplex, meaning it can transmit and receive simultaneously. The Serial Buffer Register (SBUF) serves as the primary register for data transmission and reception. Additionally, the Serial Control Register (SCON) manages the operating modes and states of the UART, including various modes like shift register mode, 8-bit UART with variable baud rates, and 9-bit UART. The baud rate for modes one and three can be generated using Timer 1 and is configured using the TH1 register. The significance of UART communication lies in its effectiveness for low-power devices and serial communications, making it invaluable in embedded applications.

Audio Book

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Overview of UART

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The 8051 has a built-in full-duplex (can transmit and receive simultaneously) Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), making it easy to communicate with other devices that use serial protocols like RS-232.

Detailed Explanation

The UART in the 8051 microcontroller is a key component that allows for serial communication. Being 'full-duplex' means it can send and receive data at the same time, similar to how a conversation works when two people talk to each other without waiting for the other to finish. This communication method is common in various devices and is often established using protocols like RS-232, which defines how the data is formatted for transmission.

Examples & Analogies

Think of UART as a telephone system. Just like you can speak and listen simultaneously when talking on the phone, the UART allows data to flow two ways at once, ensuring instructions and responses between devices can happen seamlessly, akin to a chat between friends.

Key Special Function Registers (SFRs)

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Key SFRs for Serial Port:
- SBUF (Serial Buffer Register): Address 99textH. Not bit-addressable.
- A dual-purpose register:
- Writing to SBUF initiates a serial transmission.
- Reading from SBUF retrieves received serial data.
- SCON (Serial Port Control Register): Address 98textH. Bit-addressable.
- Controls the serial port operating modes and holds status flags.

Detailed Explanation

For UART to function, certain registers called Special Function Registers (SFRs) are used. The SBUF register is crucial for handling data—when you write to it, you are sending data out, and when you read from it, you are receiving data. The SCON register is also essential; it configures how the UART operates, such as setting the mode of communication and checking the status of the transmission or reception.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine SBUF as a mailbox: when you put a letter (data) into the mailbox, it gets sent out. When you check the mailbox, you retrieve any letters (data) that have been sent to you. Similarly, SCON can be seen as a control center that governs how the mailbox operates, dictating when it should open and close, and ensuring the right letters get delivered.

Serial Port Control Register Structure

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SCON (Serial Port Control Register) Structure: | Bit 7 | Bit 6 | Bit 5 | Bit 4 | Bit 3 | Bit 2 | Bit 1 | Bit 0 | | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | | SM0 | SM1 | SM2 | REN | TB8 | RB8 | TI | RI |

Detailed Explanation

The SCON register is an 8-bit register that allows you to configure and control the UART operation. Each bit within it has a specific function, such as selecting the mode of operation (SM0, SM1), enabling receiver functionality (REN), and handling additional bits for transmission (TB8) and reception (RB8). The TI (Transmit Interrupt) and RI (Receive Interrupt) bits indicate the statuses of transmissions and receptions, respectively.

Examples & Analogies

Think of the SCON register as a remote control for your TV. Each button corresponds to a different function: some control the volume (like REN enabling reception), others change channels (like SM0 and SM1 determining the operating mode), and there are buttons that show you if your command worked (TI and RI). This setup ensures you can interact with the TV properly, just like how the bits in SCON help manage UART operations.

Baud Rate Generation

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Baud Rate Generation (Mode 1/3):
- Typically, Timer 1 (in Mode 2, 8-bit auto-reload) is used to generate the baud rate.
- The overflow rate of Timer 1 determines the serial port baud rate.

Detailed Explanation

The speed of data transmission is measured in baud rate, which indicates how many bits per second can be sent. For the 8051 UART, Timer 1 is commonly utilized to set this baud rate. Depending on the configuration, Timer 1 can automatically reload itself to maintain a consistent transmission speed whenever it overflows, playing a critical role in ensuring that data is sent accurately and at the correct pace.

Examples & Analogies

Consider baud rate like the speed limit of a highway. Just as vehicles (data) cannot exceed the speed limit without risking a crash or tickets, data transmission speeds have to stay within specified limits for effective communication. Timer 1 acts like a traffic light system that ensures vehicles (bits of data) move smoothly without colliding or getting delayed.

Calculating Baud Rate Example

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To achieve 9600 baud with F_oscillator=11.0592textMHz and SMOD=0:
- 9600=frac11059200384times(256−textTH1).

Detailed Explanation

In the example provided, the calculation of the baud rate demonstrates how changing TH1, one of the values that Timer 1 uses, directly impacts the speed at which data is communicated. By solving the equation for TH1, we can determine exactly which value needs to be loaded into Timer 1 in order to achieve the desired baud rate of 9600. This relationship highlights the importance of proper timing in serial communication.

Examples & Analogies

This is similar to adjusting the gears on a bicycle. Just as you set your gear to go at a comfortable and efficient speed on flat ground, adjusting the value of TH1 allows the UART to operate smoothly at a specific speed for sending and receiving data. If you chose the wrong gear, you might find it hard to maintain speed or control.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • UART: A protocol for serial communication allowing simultaneous data transfer.

  • SBUF: The register for sending and receiving data over UART.

  • SCON: The control register managing UART operation modes.

  • Baud Rate: The speed of data transmission controlled by Timer 1.

  • TH1: Timer register setting used for baud rate configurations.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • In a signaling device, UART communication allows the controller to send alerts to a nearby computer.

  • UART is extensively used in GPS modules for transmitting location data to a host device.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • To see UART in action, don't be left in the dark, transmit and receive, like a well-timed spark.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once upon a time, UART was the town's messenger, carrying whispers of data between devices, ensuring they were never lost in translation.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • To remember SBUF, S stands for 'Send' and 'Receive', Buffers to keep the data safe.

🎯 Super Acronyms

SCON - 'Serial Control Operating Normal' - helps remember its function in settings and status.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: UART

    Definition:

    Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, a hardware module for serial communication.

  • Term: SBUF

    Definition:

    Serial Buffer Register used for data transmission and reception.

  • Term: SCON

    Definition:

    Serial Control Register that manages the UART's operating modes.

  • Term: BAUD RATE

    Definition:

    The speed of data transmission expressed in bits per second.

  • Term: TH1

    Definition:

    Timer Register used to set baud rate for UART communication.

  • Term: PCON

    Definition:

    Power Control Register that controls power modes and baud rate settings.