A PICAXE microcontroller has been described as a ‘computer-on-a-chip’ as it has its own memory, it can process instructions and data, and has input / output functions.
The PICAXE-18 is a cheap microcontroller even though it consists of thousands of transistors and many other components. When purchased, the PICAXE-18 microcontroller is not blank as it contains a ‘bootstrap program’. A bootstrap programme is a protected programme that controls the basic way the PICAXE microcontroller operates. It is always present on the microcontoller and cannot be deleted.

One important feature of the bootstrap programme is that it allows other programmes written by pupils / students to be downloaded directly to the microprocessor. These programmes are stored in ‘non-volatile FLASH memory which means that even if power is removed from the microcontroller the programme is not lost. When power is reconnected the stored programme can be used again. If a new programme is downloaded to the microcontroller the previous programme is overwritten.

PIN LAYOUT - PICAXE-18 MICROCONTROLLER

QUESTIONS:
1. List the layout of the pins of the PICAXE-18 microcontroller in the form of a table. The left-hand column should list the pin number and the right-hand column should list the function of each pin.