Real world application: Focuses on the PIC microcontroller which has displaced HC11/12 in industrial practice. PIC is more powerful and less expensive than HC, and it is only a matter of time before it is displaced in teaching as well. Comprehensive pedagogy: The first PIC microcontroller text that provides thorough coverage of fundamental concepts rather than simply providing operational detail. Balanced framework: Includes coverage of microcontroller programming in C, as favored in industry, and in assembly, which still prevails in the classroom.