What is Microcontroller?

    Today's podcast is finest one and of course, this is playing a very keen role in this present technology. Probably, that is robotics.

So, the topic is Microcontroller, this is like a brain for the robots.

What is Microcontroller?

    A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated chip, its dedicated to performing one operation. A microcontroller contains A microcontroller contains one or more CPUs (processor cores) along with memory and programmable input/output peripherals. Program memory in the form of ferroelectric RAM, NOR flash or OTP ROM is also often included on chip, as well as a small amount of RAM. 

    Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general purpose applications consisting of various discrete chips.



Features of a microcontroller:
  • Far more economical to control electronic devices and processes as the size and cost involved is comparatively less than other methods.
  • Operating at a low clock rate frequency, usually, use four-bit words and are designed for low power consumption.
  • Architecture varies greatly with respect to purpose from general to specific, and with respect to a microprocessor, ROM, RAM or I/O functions.
  • Has a dedicated input device and often has a display for output.
  • Usually embedded in other equipment and are used to control features or actions of the equipment.
  • A program used by the microcontroller is stored in ROM.
  • Used in situations where limited computing functions are needed.


     Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toys and other embedded systems. By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes. Mixed-signal microcontrollers are common, integrated analog components needed to control non-digital electronic systems.



  
Pin description, clear and pragmatic understanding about microcontroller in the next podcast. 

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