Microcontrollers
Microcontrollers
What is a microcontroller?
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. They are essentially simple miniature personal computers (PCs) designed to control small features of a larger component, without a complex front-end operating system (OS).
Working of Microcontrollers
A microcontroller is embedded inside of a system to control a singular 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 decipher and apply the incoming data. It then uses its I/O peripherals.
What are the elements of a microcontroller?
The core elements of a microcontroller are:
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. It also performs data transfer operations, which communicate commands to other components in the larger embedded system.
Memory
A microcontroller's memory is used to store the data that the processor receives and uses to respond to instructions that it has been programmed to carry out. A microcontroller has two main memory types:
- Program memory, which 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, which 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.
Advantages of Using Microcontrollers in Industry
There are several advantages to using microcontrollers in industry. Some of the major advantages of microcontrollers are that they are reusable, dependable, cost-effective and energy efficient.
Reusable
The typical microcontroller is programmable, which means it is reusable. This is especially advantageous for prototyping control circuitry. When developing a complex control system, it is not unusual for it to fail when first applied. As a matter of fact, a complex control project may need to be rewritten and/or rewired many times before it meets design expectations.
Dependable
Integrated circuits, such as the microcontroller, are much more dependable than relays. Before microcontrollers, control circuitry relied on many electromechanical relays and timers to control the system.
Relays depend on electromagnets to move armature and contact parts, so they eventually wear out due to mechanical friction. Relays are also susceptible to damage caused by dust, dirt, corrosion, rust, insects and other contaminants that can interfere with the moving parts.
Cost Effective
Microcontrollers can be produced at lower costs than their electromechanical predecessors. Also, microcontrollers can be reprogrammed if the designed application does not work correctly or if the application for its use changes. .