De La Salle University – Dasmariñas College of

Engineering, Architecture & Technology

Electronics Engineering Program

Experiment 3
TIMER0:Delay using Polling and Interrupt

Name: Manuel Victor T. Dudang Date Performed: February 20, 2024

Professor: Engr. Emmanuel T. Longares, PECE Date Submitted: February 20, 2024
Introduction
Expanding upon the foundation laid by TIMER0 in microcontroller programming, this experiment
embarks on a thorough exploration of two distinct methodologies for establishing precise time
delays: polling and interrupt-driven techniques. The initial focus lies on the polling method,
characterized by its proactive approach of continuously monitoring specific conditions until the
desired time interval has elapsed. This straightforward strategy proves invaluable in scenarios
where simplicity and consistent behavior are paramount, offering a reliable means of timing
control.
Conversely, the experiment also delves into interrupt-driven delays, leveraging the
microcontroller's ability to promptly respond to external events. Interrupt-driven techniques
present a paradigm shift in timing control, offering enhanced efficiency and accuracy, particularly
beneficial for applications necessitating responsiveness to various inputs alongside managed time
delays. By comprehensively examining both polling and interrupt-driven methodologies,
participants are equipped with a holistic understanding of TIMER0, thereby gaining essential
proficiencies for proficient microcontroller-based system development.
Through the utilization of MPLAB X IDE and relevant hardware components, this experiment
provides a hands-on opportunity for participants to explore the intricacies of TIMER0
implementation. Successful navigation of code compilation, debugging, and circuit verification
processes underscore the effectiveness of MPLAB X IPE in facilitating seamless program transfer
and thorough validation. Overall, this experiment serves as a pivotal learning experience,
empowering participants with practical skills and knowledge essential for navigating the
complexities of microcontroller programming and real-world applications.
Data Gathered

Figure 1. Code in the MPLAB X IDE in Delay using Polling

Figure 2. Code in the MPLAB X IDE in Delay using Timer Interrupt

In delay using timer interrupt, the student coded in tmr0.c and added an interrupt handler, along
with including t0.h and mcc.h for proper integration and functionality. This code is responsible
for managing the timing operations within the program, ensuring precise and efficient execution
of tasks based on the timer interrupt signals.
 Figure 2. Actual circuit
Figure 2 illustrates the actual circuit on the breadboard, serving to verify the functionality of the
code. The result confirms a 250ms delay achieved through delay polling, mirroring the outcome
observed when employing timer interrupt.

Summary
In summary, the experiment involves utilizing and evaluating a Microchip microcontroller via
MPLAB X IDE. Figure 1 displays the code implementing a delay through polling, specifically
modifying the D5 LED's state. A crucial step involves clearing the overflow flag, indicated as
"TMR0IF = 0," ensuring accurate handling of overflow events within the program. Figure 2
confirms successful code compilation in MPLAB X IDE, validating its bug-free status. Subsequent
steps encompass debugging and generating a hex file for programming the microcontroller using
MPLAB X IPE. Figure 3 depicts the Microchip's successful programming, allowing assessment of
the physical circuit's operational status. Additionally, Figure 4 showcases the creation of the main.c
file in MPLAB X IDE, indicating efficient code template development. Furthermore, Figure 5
demonstrates successful TIMER0 debugging using Interrupts without a delay, highlighting code
integrity. Figure 6 presents debugging with a 2-second delay, while Figure 7 illustrates the physical
circuit on a breadboard for further evaluation. Overall, the experiment compellingly demonstrates
MPLAB X IPE's capability in transferring programs to microchips, enabling comprehensive
testing and validation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this experiment provides a comprehensive exploration into the utilization of
TIMER0 in microcontroller programming, focusing on the implementation of precise time delays
using both polling and interrupt-driven methodologies. Through the utilization of MPLAB X IDE
and relevant hardware components, participants were able to gain practical insights into these
techniques. The polling method, characterized by its simplicity and consistent behavior, proved
effective for scenarios where straightforward timing control is required. On the other hand,
interrupt-driven delays demonstrated enhanced efficiency and accuracy, particularly suitable for
applications demanding responsiveness to external events alongside managed time delays. By
traversing both approaches, participants acquired essential proficiencies in microcontroller-based
system development, laying a solid foundation for further exploration and innovation in this
domain. Through successful code compilation, debugging, and circuit verification, the experiment
underscored the effectiveness of MPLAB X IPE in facilitating seamless program transfer and
thorough validation processes. Overall, this experiment serves as a valuable learning experience,
equipping participants with practical skills and knowledge essential for navigating the intricacies
of microcontroller programming and real-world applications.

References

Reynolds, M. (n.d.). Timer 0 Delay using Polling Example in MPLAB® Code Configurator -
Developer Help. https://developerhelp.microchip.com/xwiki/bin/view/products/mcu-
mpu/8bitpic/peripherals/timers/tm0exam/

The Timer Modules - Timer0 - Microchip PIC microcontroller. (n.d.).