There are a large number of processors in the PIC microcontroller range, each optimized for a particular role. However, they all share the same underlying design, so converting from one processor to another is easy. Some of the PIC microcontroller processors have serial ports, which allow them to communicate directly with other systems.

Some of the PIC microcontrollers have Analogue to Digital Converters (ADCs) which allow them to measure voltages. Some of the PIC microcontrollers have Digital to Analogue Converters (DACs) which allow them to produce a particular voltage level under the control of a program. All the PIC microcontrollers have a number of Programmable Input Output (PIO) connections which allow them to read digital (on and off) signals.

The PIC microcontroller we are going to use, the PIC 16F88, provides 13 PIO pins which can be used as inputs or outputs.