micro controller
2.2 Definition of a Microcontroller
Microcontroller, as the name suggests, are small controllers. They are like single chip computersthat are often embedded into other systems to function as processing/controlling unit. For example, the remote control you are using probably has microcontrollers inside that do decodingand other controlling functions. They are also used in automobiles, washing machines,microwave ovens, toys ... etc, where automation is needed.The key features of microcontrollers include:
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High Integration of Functionality
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Microcontrollers sometimes are called single-chip computers because they have on-chipmemory and I/O circuitry and other circuitries that enable them to function as smallstandalone computers without other supporting circuitry.
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Field Programmability, Flexibility
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Microcontrollers often use EEPROM or EPROM as their storage device to allow field programmability so they are flexible to use. Once the program is tested to be correct thenlarge quantities of microcontrollers can be programmed to be used in embedded systems.
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Easy to UseAssembly language is often used in microcontrollers and since they usually follow RISCarchitecture, the instruction set is small. The development package of microcontrollersoften includes an assembler, a simulator, a programmer to "burn" the chip and ademonstration board. Some packages include a high level language compiler such as a Ccompiler and more sophisticated libraries.Most microcontrollers will also combine other devices such as:
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A Timer module to allow the microcontroller to perform tasks for certain time periods.
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A serial I/O port to allow data to flow between the microcontroller and other devices suchas a PC or another microcontroller.
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An ADC to allow the microcontroller to accept analogue input data for processing.
Figure 2.1: Showing a typical microcontroller device and its different subunitsThe heart of the microcontroller is the CPU core. In the past
Microcontroller, as the name suggests, are small controllers. They are like single chip computersthat are often embedded into other systems to function as processing/controlling unit. For example, the remote control you are using probably has microcontrollers inside that do decodingand other controlling functions. They are also used in automobiles, washing machines,microwave ovens, toys ... etc, where automation is needed.The key features of microcontrollers include:
➢
High Integration of Functionality
➢
Microcontrollers sometimes are called single-chip computers because they have on-chipmemory and I/O circuitry and other circuitries that enable them to function as smallstandalone computers without other supporting circuitry.
➢
Field Programmability, Flexibility
➢
Microcontrollers often use EEPROM or EPROM as their storage device to allow field programmability so they are flexible to use. Once the program is tested to be correct thenlarge quantities of microcontrollers can be programmed to be used in embedded systems.
➢
Easy to UseAssembly language is often used in microcontrollers and since they usually follow RISCarchitecture, the instruction set is small. The development package of microcontrollersoften includes an assembler, a simulator, a programmer to "burn" the chip and ademonstration board. Some packages include a high level language compiler such as a Ccompiler and more sophisticated libraries.Most microcontrollers will also combine other devices such as:
➢
A Timer module to allow the microcontroller to perform tasks for certain time periods.
➢
A serial I/O port to allow data to flow between the microcontroller and other devices suchas a PC or another microcontroller.
➢
An ADC to allow the microcontroller to accept analogue input data for processing.
Figure 2.1: Showing a typical microcontroller device and its different subunitsThe heart of the microcontroller is the CPU core. In the past