microcontroller

what is microcontroller ?

• A microcontroller is a small, low-cost computer-on-a-chip which usually
includes:
– An 8 or 16 bit microprocessor (CPU).
– A small amount of RAM.
– Programmable ROM and/or flash memory.
– Parallel and/or serial I/O.
– Timers and signal generators.
– Analog to Digital (A/D) and/or Digital to Analog (D/A) conversion.
• Often used to run dedicated code that controls one or more tasks in the
operation of a device or a system.
• Also called embedded controllers, because the microcontroller and support
circuits are often built into, or embedded in, the devices they control.
• Devices that utilize microcontrollers include car engines, consumer electronics
(VCRs, microwaves, cameras, pagers, cell phones .. ), computer peripherals
(keyboards, printers, modems.. ), test/measurement equipment (signal
generators, multimeters, oscilloscopes …).
• Microcontrollers usually must have low-power requirements (~. 05 - 1 W as
opposed to ~10 - 50 W for general purpose desktop CPUs) since many devices
they control are battery-operated.