In this article series we cover a range of topics relevant to the design of electronics projects based on the PICAXE range of microcontrollers. This second installment is about circuits to provide inputs and outputs for a PICAXE chip, using common electronics components. The story also aims to show you what factors to consider/calculate when picking components for your own interfacing circuits.
 
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The first article in this series brought to you by Elektor.POST was an introduction to the PICAXE system [1], including examples on how to build the PICAXE programming circuit, and how to program a PICAXE chip to control an LED with a pushbutton. The upcoming articles will cover more advanced, chip-specific interfacing capabilities available through PICAXE. The capabilities of a project based on a PICAXE chip can be enhanced by the addition of special ICs and peripherals, like extra memory, keyboards, LCD displays, or even a PC through a serial connection.