Microcontrollers are found in various devices, including the car you drive, your computer, your smartphone, and even your coffee machine. As the demand for information technology and data collection continues to rise, microcontrollers have become integral to the modern world. The microcontroller plays a fundamental role in the technological revolution that has significantly shaped the modern world.
Microcontrollers are small, versatile, affordable devices that can be successfully implemented and programmed not only by experienced engineers but also by students, hobbyists, and professionals from various fields. The microcontroller applications are endless, with examples ranging from medical equipment and high-end consumer electronics to aerospace systems and industrial devices.
This article aims to provide essential knowledge about microcontrollers that everyone should know. So, keep reading to enhance your understanding of these remarkable devices!
What is Microcontroller?
A microcontroller, also called MCU, is a highly versatile integrated circuit (IC) used to control other components of an electronic system. They are designed to implement certain tasks and are commonly used for a specific application. A standard microcontroller includes a processor, memory, and input/output (I/O) peripherals integrated into a single chip.
Appliances, automobile engine control systems, power tools, and computers are examples of products and devices that need to be automatically controlled in certain situations. However, the applications of microcontrollers extend far beyond these examples, encompassing a vast array of industries and sectors.
Essentially, a microcontroller is responsible for collecting input, processing this information, and generating specific outputs based on the information gathered. Typically, microcontrollers operate at low speeds, ranging from 1MHz to 200MHz, and must be designed to consume less power since they are embedded in other devices that may have greater power consumption in different areas.
Types of Microcontrollers
The common types of microcontrollers are:
- The Intel MCS-51 is commonly known as the 8051 microcontroller.
- The AVR microcontroller
- The programmable interface controller (PIC)
Before selecting a microcontroller for your project, there are several factors that you need to keep in mind. Apart from cost, it is crucial to consider the maximum speed, RAM or ROM storage size, number or types of I/O pins available on an MCU, power consumption, constraints, and development support.
The Core Components of a microcontroller
The microcontroller’s basic structure includes different components, and the core components are:
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): often referred to as the ‘brain’ of the device as it plays a crucial role in the functioning of a microcontroller. It processes and responds to a wide range of instructions that effectively direct the microcontroller’s operation. This includes performing complex arithmetic operations, managing data flow, and generating precise control signals following the programmer’s instructions. By using a CPU, all the components of the microcontroller are connected to a particular system. Furthermore, the CPU has the ability to fetch and decode Instructions fetched through the programmable memory.
- Memory:a microcontroller’s memory is used to save the data the processor receives, which is then used to execute programmed instructions.
Microcontrollers are designed with a certain RAM/ROM/flash memory capacity to store the program source code. It is important to note that microcontroller memory can be categorized into two distinct types:
- Program memory is responsible for storing long-term information about the instructions that the CPU executes. Program memory is non-volatile, meaning it retains information without a power source. This characteristic allows program memory to preserve data over an extended period.
- Data memory refers to volatile memory (i.e., RAM), which serves as temporary storage during executions instructions are being executed. Data memory is termed volatile because data is lost when the microcontroller loses power.
- I/O Peripherals: I/O peripherals simply refer to the components that interface with the processor and memory. These input and output devices serve as the interface between the processor and the external system. The input ports receive information and transmit it to the processor as binary data. The processor then receives this data and sends the required instructions to output devices, which execute tasks external to the microcontroller. Although the CPU, memory, and I/O peripherals are the core elements of the microcontroller, there are many supporting components of the microcontroller, and they are:
- Analog to Digital Converter (ADC): this circuit converts analogue signals to digital signals. Microcontrollers can interface with external analogue devices, such as sensors, through its processor.
- Digital Analog Converter (DAC) is the inverse of an ADC, enabling the microcontroller’s processor to transmit its outgoing signals to external analogue devices.
- System Bus: This connective wire links all the microcontroller components together.
- Serial Port: This is an I/O port that enables connection between the microcontroller and external components. It functions similarly to USB or parallel ports but differs in bit exchange.
Applications of Microcontroller
Microcontrollers have extensive applications across multiple industries and sectors, including in the home and industry, manufacturing, lighting, robotics, automotive, lighting, smart energy, industrial automation, communications, and the Internet.
One particularly noteworthy microcontroller application is its use as a digital signal processor. Often, analogue signals received come with a certain degree of noise, which refers to uncertain values that cannot be easily translated into standard digital values.
In such cases, microcontrollers prove invaluable as they employ their ADC and DAC functionalities to convert the incoming noisy analogue signal into a smooth and precise digital signal. By leveraging the power of microcontrollers, industries can effectively tackle the challenges posed by noisy analogue signals, ensuring accurate and reliable data processing.
Microcontrollers enable the smooth operation of electromechanical systems present in various everyday convenience items. These items include ovens, mobile devices, refrigerators, toasters, televisions, video game systems, and lawn watering systems. Additionally, microcontrollers are widely used in office machines such as photocopiers, scanners, printers, fax machines, ATMs, and security systems.
More sophisticated microcontrollers are critical in various domains, such as aircraft, vehicles, spacecraft, medical and life-support systems, and robots. In the medical field, microcontrollers can regulate the operations of artificial hearts, kidneys, and other vital organs. Additionally, they contribute significantly to the seamless functioning of prosthetic devices. Microcontrollers are essential components that ensure these advanced technologies’ smooth operation and reliability.