National Instruments' Multisim is a useful tool for designing and testing electronic circuits, in a virtual workspace. One of the advanced features of the software is the ability to simulate a microcontroller, or MCU. The initial set-up and configuration of the virtual MCU is a brief, stepwise process that can be easily accomplished. However, the actual construction of the MCU circuit and the programming of the MCU can be challenging and time-consuming, but you can complete the initial set-up and configuration.
Step 1
Open Multisim and click on the MCU icon, which is located in the component toolbar. After the window opens, select the "805x" family, select the "8051" MCU and click on "OK." The window will disappear and an outline of the 8051 will appear in the workspace.
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Step 2
Place the 8051 on the workspace by clicking once. After it is placed, a window titled "MCU Wizard - Step 1 of 3" will appear.
Step 3
Name the workspace "testspace" and verify the workspace path. Click "Next >" to proceed to the next window. It is not necessary, but you can also "browse" and choose a different workspace path for saving.
Step 4
Click on each drop-down menu, in window "2 of 3." Select "Standard" for project type and select "Assembly" for programming language. Name the project "testMCU" and click "Next >" to proceed. The assembler/compiler tool will automatically be set when the programming language is selected.
Step 5
Click on the radio button for "Add source file" in window "3 of 3." Name the source file "test1." Click "Finish" to close the MCU Wizard and click on the "X" to close the 8051 component window.
Step 6
Construct a circuit using the MCU. This process is similar to constructing any other circuit in Multisim.
Step 7
Click on the tab for the "test1.asm" window (at the bottom of the workspace) to program the 8051. A separate programming window will open. Write the MCU program in the area where it states "; Please insert your code here." Include the statements "$MOD51" and "END" in your program.
Step 8
Run the simulation when programming is complete. Click on "Simulate" and select "Run." This will compile the code and operate the MCU circuit.
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