Microcontrollers are everywhere, whether you're in a your car, on your computer reading this or making a cup of coffee on your coffee machine. With IoT rapidly increasing and data constantly being gathered, microcontrollers are a huge part of the modern world taking place.
A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system. A typical microcontroller includes a processor, memory and input/output (I/O) peripherals on a single chip.
Figure 1: Parts of a microcontroller. (Source: Max Embedded)
How does Microcontroller Operate
A microcontroller is embedded inside of a system to control a single function in a device. It does this by interpreting data it receives from its I/O peripherals using its central processor. The temporary information that the microcontroller receives is stored in its data memory, where the processor accesses it and uses instructions stored in its program memory to apply the incoming data. It then uses its I/O peripherals to communicate and make the appropriate action.
Microcontrollers are used in a wide array of systems and devices. Devices often utilize multiple microcontrollers that work together within the device to handle their respective tasks.
For example, a car might have many microcontrollers that control various individual systems within, such as the anti-lock braking system, traction control, fuel injection or suspension control. All the microcontrollers communicate with each other to inform the correct actions.
Important elements of a microcontroller?
The processor (CPU) : A processor can be thought of as the brain of the device. It processes and responds to various instructions that direct the microcontroller's function.
This involves performing basic arithmetic, logic and I/O operations and etc.
Memory : A microcontroller's memory is used to store the data that the processor receives and uses to respond to instructions that it's been programmed to carry out. A microcontroller has two main memory types
Program memory : it stores long-term information about the instructions that the CPU carries out. Program memory is non-volatile memory, meaning it holds information over time without needing a power source.
Data memory is required for temporary data storage while the instructions are being executed. Data memory is volatile, meaning the data it holds is temporary and is only maintained if the device is connected to a power source
I/O peripherals : The input and output devices are the interface for the processor to the outside world. The input ports receive information and send it to the processor in the form of binary data. The processor receives that data and sends the necessary instructions to output devices that execute tasks external to the microcontroller.
Other supporting elements of a microcontroller include:
Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) :An ADC is a circuit that converts analog signals to digital signals. It allows the processor at the center of the microcontroller to interface with external analog devices, such as sensors.
Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) : A DAC performs the inverse function of an ADC and allows the processor at the center of the microcontroller to communicate its outgoing signals to external analog components.
System bus : The system bus is the connective wire that links all components of the microcontroller together.
Serial port :The serial port is one example of an I/O port that allows the microcontroller to connect to external components. It has a similar function to a USB or a parallel port but differs in the way it exchanges bits.
Types of microcontrollers.
Based on memory, architecture, and word size, microcontrollers are classified into various types. Some are as follow.
Classification based on bits.
Microcontrollers come in 8 bit, 16 bit, 32 bit and 64 bit. Some most advanced microcontrollers have bits more than 64 which are capable of executing particular functions in the embedded systems.
8 bit microcontroller is capable of executing smaller arithmetic and logic instructions. Most common 8 bit microcontrollers are atmel 8031 and 8051
In contrast to 8 bit microcontroller, 16 bit microcontroller executes program with higher precision and accuracy. Most common 16 bit microcontroller is 8096
32 bit microcontroller is applied into automatic control systems and robotics where high durability and reliability is required. Office machines and some power and communication systems use 32 bit controller to execute different instructions
what are the applications of Microcontrollers
Peripheral controller of a PCRobotics and Embedded systems
Bio-medical equipment
Communication and power systems
Automobiles and security systems
Implanted medical equipment
Fire detection devices
Temperature and light sensing devices
Industrial automation devices
Process control devices
Measuring and Controlling revolving objects and etc
Select a Microcontroller for IoT
Most of an Internet of Things applications, a Microcontroller can deliver all the processing power and functionality. As a result, it is the best economic hardware choice for IoT applications.
there are many different development boards and MCU available from companies such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi and others like Samsung . Choose which one is right for you depends on a number of factors that vary depending on the nature of your application .
Architecture:Many applications use either ARM, X86 or MIPS. By choosing the one which depends on the functional requirements of applications and also how much computing power your system needs
Memory:It may highly recommend that you choose a microcontroller with a comfortable amount of extra memory for future updates. This will save your time, and money.
Power:Energy efficiency is an extremely important to consider for IoT applications. Because you will minimize the need for sending maintenance crews to inspect edge infrastructure.
This is a brief overview of microcontrollers, for further questions let us know in the comment section.
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