CPU only

Needs many ICs to implement a small system

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. I/O pins

Programmable ROM and/or flash memory

Parallel and /or flash memory Timers and signal generators Analog to Digital (A/D) and/or Digital to Analog(D/A) conversion First used in 1975(Intel 8048) The introduction of EEPROM in 1993, allowed microcontrollers to be electrically erased The same year, Atmel introduced the first microcontroller using Flash memory.

The CPU core Memory (both ROM and RAM) Some parallel digital and analog I/O Timer Serial module( for communication) Interrupt module( troubleshooting)

Basic microcontroller architecture

Memory:
RAM ROM Store data and code

CPU :
Mathematical and logical operation Memory units are called Register

Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) :

Needs to convert analog signal to digital signal for processing Not so fast and accurate Atmega8 contains 10 bit approximation ADC Internal and external reference voltage can used Result may from differ 2% to 3% Absolute accuracy can be achieved by using external ADC

Block Diagram Of Microcontroller:

Microcontroller Programming
Writing a program which is executed while the microcontroller runs. Can be written in assembly, C or Basic

Assembly :
Takes up least amount of spaces Best result in terms of speed

C:
Easier to write and understand Slower than Assembly

Basic :
Nearest a mans way of reasoning

Microcontroller understands only hex code Any language must be converted to a equivalent hex code The hex code may differ from architecture to architecture

Hex code generator :

Used to generate the hex codes from the language Avr tools

Simulator :
Shows the internal processor state as well as the outputs Allows input signal to be generated The quickest way of debugging and analyze problem MPLAB Proteus

PERSONAL INFORMATION PRODUCTS: Cell phone, pager, watch, pocket recorder, calculator

LAPTOP COMPONENTS: Mouse, keyboard, modem, fax card, sound card, air conditioner, TV
remote, VCR

HOME APPLIANCES: Door lock, alarm lock, thermostat, air conditioner, TV remote,
refrigerator, exercise equipment, washer/dryer, microwave oven

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT: Temperature/ Pressure controllers, counters, timers, RPM

controllers

TOYS: video games, cars , dolls, etc..