Microcontrollers
A microcontroller (sometimes abbreviated µC, uC or MCU)
is a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing
a processor core, memory, 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.
Embedded systems
An embedded system is a
computer system designed to
perform one or a few dedicated
functions.
It is embedded as part of a
complete device often including
hardware and mechanical parts.
Features of microcontroller
Interrupts
Microcontrollers must provide real time (predictable, though
not necessarily fast) response to events in the embedded
system they are controlling.
Programs
Microcontroller programs must fit in the available on-chip
program memory, since it would be costly to provide a
system with external, expandable, memory.
Other microcontroller features
Microcontrollers usually contain from several to dozens of
general purpose input/output pins (GPIO)
analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
Programmable Interval Timer (PIT)
Time Processing Unit (TPU)
Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART)
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
A micro-controller is a single integrated circuit, commonly have also
these features:
central processing unit - ranging from small and simple 4-bit
processors to complex 32- or 64-bit processors
volatile memory (RAM) for data storage
ROM, EPROM, EEPROM or Flash memory for program and
operating parameter storage
discrete input and output bits, allowing control or detection of the
logic state of an individual package pin
clock generator - often an oscillator for a quartz timing crystal,
resonator or RC circuit
in-circuit programming and debugging support
Programming environments
assembly language
C programming language.
List of mostly used microcontrollers
PIC(8-bit PIC16, PIC18, 16-bit dsPIC33 / PIC24)
Atmel AVR
Zilog eZ8 (16-bit), eZ80 (8-bit)
Freescale semiconductor
(formerly motorolla)68HC08/68HC11
Intel 8051
Microcontroller embedded memory
technology
.
all microcontrollers have at least two
different kinds of memory:
A non-volatile memory for storing
firmware
A read-write memory for temporary data
Automation with microcontroller
Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products
and devices such as :
Due to programming and its peripheral features as interrupts
,timers etc we can use them in:
automobile engine control systems
implantable medical devices,
remote controls,
office machines,
appliances,
power tools,
and toys
security alarms in offices and houses