Abstract: A microcontroller apparatus is provided with an instruction set for manipulating the behavior of the microcontroller. The apparatus and system is provided that enables a linearized address space that makes modular emulation possible. Direct or indirect addressing is possible through register files or data memory. Special function registers, including the Program Counter (PC) and Working Register (W), are mapped in the data memory. An orthogonal (symmetrical) instruction set makes possible any operation on any register using any addressing mode. Consequently, two file registers to be used in some two operand instructions. This allows data to be moved directly between two registers without going through the W register. Thus increasing performance and decreasing program memory usage.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for testing a high speed microcontroller fabricated on a semiconductor chip, and for testing relatively low speed functions of a liquid crystal display (LCD) module on the chip that drives an off-chip LCD for an external system to be controlled by the microcontroller with a plurality of discrete analog voltage levels for performing the LCD functions. Digital values are multiplexed in time slots of a test waveform to simulate in high speed digital format of a test mode the low speed timing, relative magnitude and functionality of analog voltage levels used to drive the LCD; A high speed driver is selectively coupled to a pin of the chip, to which the discrete analog voltage levels are normally applied at low speed to drive the LCD, and the test waveform is applied to the high speed driver. The digital values and timing that appear on the pin are then monitored as an indication of proper functionality of the LCD module.