Shiftout

Shiftout is a command commonly found in microcontroller programming environments, particularly those based on BASIC Stamp and similar platforms. Its primary function is to send data out serially, bit by bit, to an external device. This is typically achieved by controlling two pins: a data pin and a clock pin. The microcontroller places a single bit of data onto the data pin and then pulses the clock pin to signal the receiving device to read that bit. This process is repeated for each bit in the data byte or word being transmitted.

The shiftout command allows for the transmission of data to a wide range of peripherals, including displays (like LCDs), shift registers, and other serial input devices. The order in which the bits are sent (most significant bit first or least significant bit first) is usually a parameter of the command, allowing for compatibility with different device protocols. The speed of the serial transmission is also often controllable, impacting how quickly data can be sent. This method of serial communication is relatively simple to implement, making it a popular choice for hobbyist electronics projects and basic embedded systems where dedicated hardware serial ports are not available or necessary.