MICROCONTROLLERS
-THE BRAIN OF EMBEDDED SYSTEM
TOPICS
01
03
MICROCONTROLLER
COMPARISON OF
MICROCONTROLLER
AND MICROPROCESSOR
02
COMPONENTS OF A
MICROCONTROLLER
OF
04 APPLICATIONS
MICROCONTROLLER
MICROCONTROLLER:
A microcontroller is a compact,
integrated circuit designed to
perform specific tasks in
embedded systems.
Examples:
PIC Microcontrollers,ARM Cortex
Microcontrollers,ESP Microcontrollers,
Raspberry Pi Pico
COMPONENTS OF
MICROCONTROLLER
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
2. Memory Units
3. Input/Output (I/O) Ports
4. Clock/Timing Unit
5. Peripherals
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The brain of the microcontroller.
Executes program instructions, performs calculations, and manages operations.
2. Memory Units
.
Flash Memory
Non-volatile storage for the program code.
Data is preserved without a power supply.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Temporary storage for data and variables during program execution.
Volatile memory (data is lost when power is off).
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory:
non-volatile memory used in microcontrollers to store small amounts of
data.
Data is preserved without a power supply.
3. Input/Output (I/O) Ports
physical pins or connections used to interact with external devices. They enable
the microcontroller to receive data from or send data to the outside world.
Input Ports
Purpose: Receive signals or data from external devices like sensors, switches, or
other microcontrollers.
Examples of Input Devices:
Temperature sensors, light sensors, and motion detectors.
Output Ports
Purpose: Send signals or data to control external devices like LEDs, motors, or
displays.
Examples of Output Devices:
LEDs, buzzers, and servo motors.
4. Clock System
responsible for generating the timing signals required to control its operations.
It provides the clock signal that drives the CPU and peripherals.
Components:
Oscillator
Generates the base clock signal.
Clock Divider:
Reduces the frequency of the base clock for specific components.
Phase-Locked Loop (PLL):
Multiplies or adjusts the clock frequency to meet application
requirements.
5. Peripherals
Hardware components that perform specific functions to extend its capabilities.
They enable the microcontroller to interact with the external environment and
perform specialized tasks.
Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC):
Converts analog signals (e.g., from sensors) into digital data.
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC):
Converts digital data into analog signals.
Timers/Counters:
Perform timing operations like generating delays, measuring time.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM):
to control devices with precision while optimizing energy efficiency.
Importance:
Peripherals reduce the need for additional external hardware.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEM
MICROPROCESSOR AND MICROCONTROLLER
Microprocessor:
Architecture
Consists of only the CPU on a chip.
Power Consumption Consumes more power due to its higher processing capability.
Cost
More expensive due to the need for additional components.
Memory
External memory modules connected to the CPU.
Applications
General-purpose systems: Personal computers, servers.
Microcontroller;
Architecture
Integrated memory on the chip.
Power Consumption
Cheaper, as all components are integrated
Cost
Consumes less power, designed for energy efficiency.
Memory
Includes CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single chip.
Applications
Embedded systems: IoT devices, medical instruments, robotics
APPLICATIONS
Embedded Systems
Home Automation
Automotive Electronics
Medical Devices
IoT (Internet of Things)
Communication Systems