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1.3.2 Microcontroller
according to their requirement. An example of microprocessor applications is on computer
motherboard as shown in Figure 1.2.
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Figure 1.2: Component in computer motherboard
(https://www.learncomputerscienceonline.com )
1.3.2 Microcontroller
A microcontroller (sometimes abbreviated µC, uC or MCU) is a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals.
Microcontroller also called computer in chip. The fixed amount of on-chip ROM, RAM, and number of I/O ports in microcontroller makes them ideal for low cost and low space
applications. Figure 3 shows the illustrations of inside of a microcontroller.
Figure 3: Inside microcontroller chip (https://www.polytechnichub.com)
Components inside microcontroller chip:
a. CPU – Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the Microcontroller. A CPU reads,
decodes and executes program to perform Arithmetic, Logic and Data Transfer
operations.
b. Memory – two types of Memory: Program Memory and Data Memory. Program Memory
is used to store program source codes to be executed by the CPU. Data Memory is used
to store temporary data while executing the instructions. c. Input/output (I/O) ports – interface for the Microcontroller to the external world. Inputs
receive changes in the real-world, from sensor or push buttons, and much more provide
information to the CPU. The CPU, upon receiving the data from the input devices,
executes appropriate instructions and sends a signal to the output ports.
d. Serial Ports – to communicate with other device and peripherals (external). Serial Port
proves such interface through serial communication.
e. Timers – provide the operations of Time Delays and counting external events.
f. ADC (Analog to digital converter) – convert analog signals to digital.
g. DAC (digital to analog converter) – supervise analog appliances like- DC motors, etc.
A microcontroller can perform only specific predefined tasks. Although a user can program it
to perform any task. But once it is programmed, it can perform only specific tasks such as DC
motor speed control, remote monitoring systems, etc. Figure 1.3 shows an example of
application of microcontroller in embedded system.
Figure 1.3: Microcontroller chip in pen drive (https://steemit.com)
