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Introduction to Microcontrollers

The document provides an introduction to microcontrollers, detailing their definition, key components, and various applications in fields such as IoT, robotics, and consumer electronics. It also discusses popular microcontroller families and programming languages used for development, along with factors to consider when selecting a microcontroller. Overall, it serves as a foundational guide for understanding microcontrollers and their functionalities.

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LETICIA MWENDA
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views

Introduction to Microcontrollers

The document provides an introduction to microcontrollers, detailing their definition, key components, and various applications in fields such as IoT, robotics, and consumer electronics. It also discusses popular microcontroller families and programming languages used for development, along with factors to consider when selecting a microcontroller. Overall, it serves as a foundational guide for understanding microcontrollers and their functionalities.

Uploaded by

LETICIA MWENDA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to

microcontrollers
By A.C Zulu
Learning Outcomes
• Understand what microcontrollers are
• Get exposed to types of controllers
• Classify microcontrollers
• Building block of microcontrollers
• Programming language used for
microcontrollers
• Applying microcontrollers
Whats is a
microcontroller?
A microcontroller (MCU) is
a compact integrated circuit
(IC) that includes a
processor (CPU), memory
(RAM & ROM), and
input/output (I/O)
peripherals on a single chip.
It is designed for specific
control applications
rather than general-purpose
computing
Applications of microcontrollers
IoT (Internet of Medical Devices:
Things): Smart home Autonomous robots, Blood glucose
devices, wearables, drones, and control monitors, heart rate
and industrial systems. sensors, and patient
automation. monitoring systems.
Robotics: Automotive:

Consumer
Engine control units Electronics: Smart
(ECUs), ABS systems, appliances, gaming
and climate control. controllers, and
security systems.
IoT
• c
Autonomous
vehicles & Drones
x
Medical devices
Motor industry
Consumer electronics
Key Components of a Microcontroller
• CPU (Central Processing Unit): Executes instructions and processes data.
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for running programs.
• ROM/Flash Memory: Stores firmware (the permanent program running on the
microcontroller).
• I/O Ports: Allows communication with sensors, displays, and other external
devices.
• Timers & Counters: Used for timekeeping, pulse-width modulation (PWM), and
event counting.
• Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): Converts analog signals (e.g., from sensors)
into digital values.
• Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC): Converts digital signals into analog outputs.
• Communication Interfaces: Includes protocols like UART, SPI, I2C, and CAN for
data exchange.
Key Components of a
Microcontroller
• c
Popular Microcontroller Families
• Arduino (AT mega series): Ideal for beginners,
widely used in DIY electronics.
• ESP8266/ESP32: Microcontrollers with built-in Wi-Fi
and Bluetooth capabilities.
• ARM Cortex-M series: Used in industrial and
consumer electronics.
• PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller): Used in
automotive and industrial applications.
• STM32 (ARM-based): High-performance
microcontrollers with low power consumption.
Popular Microcontroller Families

• c
How Microcontrollers are Programmed
• Programming Languages:
Usually programmed in C, C++, or Python (for higher-level
control).

• Development Tools:
Require an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) such as:
 Arduino IDE (for Arduino boards)
 Micro Python (for ESP8266, ESP32)
 Keil uVision (for ARM-based MCUs)
 MPLAB X (for PIC microcontrollers)

• Firmware Uploading:
Programs are uploaded to the microcontroller via USB, serial, or
How Microcontrollers are Programmed
example: Arduino IDE
• x
Factors to consider when choosing
a microcontroller
• Processing Power (CPU Architecture &
Speed)
• Memory (RAM & Flash Storage)
• Power Consumption
• Input/Output (I/O) Pins & Peripherals
• Communication Interfaces
• Cost & Availability
• Development Support & Ecosystem
The end

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