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8051 Communication Protocol

A communication protocol is a set of rules for data exchange between devices, with the 8051 microcontroller supporting parallel and serial communication. Parallel communication allows multiple bits to be sent simultaneously using more pins, while serial communication sends one bit at a time, saving pins and being suitable for long distances. The 8051 natively supports UART for serial communication, while I2C, SPI, and CAN can be implemented through software or require external controllers.

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21 views4 pages

8051 Communication Protocol

A communication protocol is a set of rules for data exchange between devices, with the 8051 microcontroller supporting parallel and serial communication. Parallel communication allows multiple bits to be sent simultaneously using more pins, while serial communication sends one bit at a time, saving pins and being suitable for long distances. The 8051 natively supports UART for serial communication, while I2C, SPI, and CAN can be implemented through software or require external controllers.

Uploaded by

gowdaaryan04
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is a Communication Protocol?

A communication protocol is a set of rules that allow two or more devices to exchange data
in a structured and predictable manner.

Like people use languages to communicate, microcontrollers and peripherals use protocols
to send and receive data.

Types of Communication in 8051


The 8051 microcontroller supports two broad types of communication:

1️. Parallel Communication

2️. Serial Communication

1. Parallel Communication
 Data is sent in multiple bits at a time (usually 8 bits) through multiple data lines.

 Uses 8051’s ports P0–P3 for interfacing.

 Fast but uses more pins.

Examples:

 Interfacing with LCDs, keypads, or data buses.

Pros:
✔ High-speed transfer
✔ Easy to handle with multiple devices

Cons:
✘ Consumes a lot of I/O pins
✘ Limited in modern compact designs

2. Serial Communication
 One bit is sent at a time over a single line (or few lines).

 Best for long-distance or pin-saving communication.

 Built-in UART is available in 8051.

Types of Serial Communication:


Type Built-in No. of Lines Speed

UART Yes 2 Medium

I2C No 2 Medium

SPI No 4 Fast
Type Built-in No. of Lines Speed

CAN No 2 High

UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter)


✅ Native to 8051

 Uses: TXD (P3.1) and RXD (P3.0)

 Registers: SBUF, SCON, TMOD, TH1

 Data sent in asynchronous mode – no external clock.

 Baud rate is controlled by Timer 1.

Steps:

1. Load data into SBUF to transmit

2. Wait for TI (Transmit Interrupt) to be set

3. Read data from SBUF when RI (Receive Interrupt) is set

Example UART Code (8051)

void main() {

TMOD = 0x20; // Timer1 in Mode2

TH1 = 0xFD; // Baud rate 9600

SCON = 0x50; // Mode 1, 8-bit, REN enabled

TR1 = 1; // Start timer

SBUF = 'A'; // Send data

while(TI == 0); // Wait for transmission complete

TI = 0; // Reset transmit flag

I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit)


Not built-in in 8051 – implemented using software (bit-banging)

 Uses 2 lines:
SCL – Serial Clock
SDA – Serial Data

 Supports multiple devices on the same 2 wires (Master–Slave system)


Common I2C devices:
RTC (DS1307), EEPROM (24Cxx), sensors like BMP280

SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)


❌ Not built-in – implemented via software

 Uses 4 lines:

o MOSI – Master Out Slave In

o MISO – Master In Slave Out

o SCK – Serial Clock

o SS – Slave Select

 Faster than I2C, but each slave needs a separate SS line.

Used for: SD cards, DAC/ADC, TFT displays, CAN modules

CAN (Controller Area Network)


 Not supported natively by 8051

 Needs an external controller like MCP2515

Used in:

 Automotive systems

 Industrial automation

 Robotics

Features:

 High-speed

 Robust error handling

 Multi-master support

Comparison Table
Protocol Pins Speed Built-in in 8051? Complexity Use Cases

UART 2 Medium ✅ Yes Easy PC comm, sensors

I2C 2 Medium ❌ No Medium EEPROM, RTC

SPI 4 High ❌ No Medium SD card, DAC

CAN 2 High ❌ No Complex Vehicle systems


Protocol Pins Speed Built-in in 8051? Complexity Use Cases

Summary
 8051 natively supports UART, which is ideal for basic serial communication.

 I2C and SPI can be implemented with software routines (bit-banging).

 CAN needs an external controller.

 Choice of protocol depends on:

o Speed requirement

o Pin availability

o Type of device

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