Microcontrollers
MICROCONTROLLERS
A microcontroller (sometimes abbreviated µC, MCU) is a small computer with similar components as a standard personal computer only integrated on to a single chip and usually dedicated to a single task. The fundamental components include a processor core (C.P.U), memory, system clock and programmable input/output peripherals. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general purpose applications. MCUs have been used in almost every application that requires certain amount of intelligence.
Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toys and other embedded systems. By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes. Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating analog components needed to control non-digital electronic systems.
Some microcontrollers may use four-bit words and operate at clock rate frequencies as low as 4 kHz, for low power consumption (single-digit milliwatts or microwatts). They will generally have the ability to retain functionality while waiting for an event such as a button press or other interrupt; power consumption while sleeping (CPU clock and most peripherals off) may be just nanowatts, making many of them well suited for long lasting battery applications. Other microcontrollers may serve performance-critical roles, where they may need to act more like a digital signal processor (DSP), with higher clock speeds and power consumption.
TYPES OF MICROCONTROLLERS * ARM core processors (many vendors) * ATMEL AVR (8-bit), AVR32 (32-bit), and AT91SAM (32-bit) * Cypress Semiconductor's M8C Core used in
A microcontroller (sometimes abbreviated µC, MCU) is a small computer with similar components as a standard personal computer only integrated on to a single chip and usually dedicated to a single task. The fundamental components include a processor core (C.P.U), memory, system clock and programmable input/output peripherals. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general purpose applications. MCUs have been used in almost every application that requires certain amount of intelligence.
Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toys and other embedded systems. By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes. Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating analog components needed to control non-digital electronic systems.
Some microcontrollers may use four-bit words and operate at clock rate frequencies as low as 4 kHz, for low power consumption (single-digit milliwatts or microwatts). They will generally have the ability to retain functionality while waiting for an event such as a button press or other interrupt; power consumption while sleeping (CPU clock and most peripherals off) may be just nanowatts, making many of them well suited for long lasting battery applications. Other microcontrollers may serve performance-critical roles, where they may need to act more like a digital signal processor (DSP), with higher clock speeds and power consumption.
TYPES OF MICROCONTROLLERS * ARM core processors (many vendors) * ATMEL AVR (8-bit), AVR32 (32-bit), and AT91SAM (32-bit) * Cypress Semiconductor's M8C Core used in