A microcontroller, also known as a microcontroller unit (MCU), is an electronic chip built inside the central processing unit of an electronic machine. It is also said to be a brain within a brain that cooperates, controls, and coordinates all the current operations that take place inside a central processing unit CPU. Various microcontrollers of different brands are available at Enrgtech at affordable prices.
Elements of a Microcontroller Application Specific
A microcontroller can be considered a tiny computer, and it is due to the crucial elements that are built inside it. Elements of a microcontroller comprise:
- Central processing unit (CPU)
- Read-only memory (ROM)
- Random access memory (RAM)
- Electrically erasable programmable read-on memory (EEPROM)
- In-built oscillator
Central Processing unit (CPU)
The central processing unit, abbreviated as the CPU, is the essential component of any electronic system. CPU is said to be the brain of a computer or electronic machine. Whenever the data is entered into an electronic device, it is the CPU that processes the data recognize it and executes the operation according to the given instructions by the user. All arithmetic and logical operations take place inside the CPU.
Read Only Memory ROM
Read-only memory, in short ROM, is a chip fixed on the motherboard of any electronic system. It is a volatile or permanent memory that works even if the device is powered off. Once it is programmed while manufacturing, ROM cannot be manipulated or reprogrammed. It instructs the microcontroller on executing its calculations and programs when needed.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Random access memory RAM is a non-volatile or temporary memory that only works when the power of an electronic system is on. RAM is a temporary storage medium and can only load data onto itself for a temporary period. It only holds the data that is currently in use by the user. The data that is loaded to the RAM is lost when the power of the device is off.
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM)
EEPROM is a type of non-volatile or temporary memory used by microcontrollers. EEPROM only stores the amount of data and information by permitting separate bytes to be wiped out and reconfigured.
In-built or Internal Oscillator
Internal oscillator is also called the MCU's primary timer. The Internal Oscillator serves as the microcontroller's central clock and regulates the rhythms in which internal processes are carried out. Similarly, any other type of timer maintains track of your time because it passes while a specific procedure is underway. It aids the MCU in the beginning and end of particular functions at predetermined intervals.
Benefits of Microcontrollers Application Specific
Some of the best features of microcontrollers are given below:
- Less time for performing large operations
- ROM, RAM I/O ports are easily interfaced
- Cycle timer instructions
- Reduces the size and cost of the system
- Sometimes it may act like a microcomputer that does not have any digital components.
- Easy to use, essential to troubleshoot and maintain the system.
Types of Microcontrollers Application Specific
There are several types of microcontrollers based on a different architectures:
- 32-bit Microcontroller: A bus width of 32 bits, or 4 bytes, is found on a 32-bit microcontroller. Microcontrollers are more accurate and capable than any other microcontrollers, but they are also more expensive and power-hungry. It can even support numerous peripherals like USB, Ethernet, Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter devices (UARTS), and a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus that is necessary for any embedded system projects or applications. Examples of popular 32-bit microcontrollers include the PIC3x, Intel/Atmel 251 series, and others.
- 16-bit Microcontroller: As compared to a 32-bit microcontroller, a 16-bit microcontroller instruction execution time is a little slower but efficient. A 16-bit microcontroller has a bus width of 16-bit which means 2 bytes wide. It can process and then transfer 16-bit information within a single cycle. And its 16-bit timer provides a wide range of 0x0000 (0) to 0xFFFF (65535), which provides the most effective accuracy per cost for any application or project that requires Timer functions. Some examples of it are 8051XA, PIC2x, Intel 8096, etc. Additionally, the 16-bit timer's wide range of 0x0000 (0) to 0xFFFF (65535) offers the most precision at the lowest cost for any project or application requiring timer functionality. It includes things like the 8051XA, PIC2x, Intel 8096, etc.
- 8-bit Microcontroller: To finish a simple mathematical operation, it takes many cycles to execute the function. The bus width of an 8-bit microcontroller is 8 bits which means 1 byte, which can transfer the information of 1 byte/8 bit in a single cycle. In order to process massive amounts of data, for instance, 16bit, it can take multiple cycles to complete the processing. It is an old and slower technology that results in poor performance as compared to 16 and 32-bit microcontrollers. Intel 8031/8051 and PIC1x are some of their common examples.
Typical Applications of Microcontrollers
In this modern era, you can find a microcontroller in almost every aspect of life. Not even a single electronic machine can work properly without a microcontroller. To fully functionalize an electronic device, it must have a microcontroller installed on its motherboard. Various machines that measure, control, display, or store information have a microcontroller chip installed in them.
Industries frequently employ microcontrollers (microcontrollers widely used for controlling engines and power controls in automobiles). Microcontrollers are found inside various other devices, including keyboards, printers, computer mouse, modems, and other peripherals. Microcontrollers make it simple to add functionality to various equipment, such as the ability to save measurements, create and maintain user routines, and show messages and waveforms.
Here Are Some Additional Applications of Microcontrollers Application Specific
- Fax Machines, printers, scanners etc
- Vehicle braking or speedometer systems
- Security alarms, safety machines
- Telephone sets, Cell phones,
- Robots, toys, washing and drying machines, microwave oven etc.
