What is a Microcontroller?
A microcontroller (sometimes abbreviated µC, uC or MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals.
A micro-controller is a task specific single integrated circuit, commonly with the following features:
A micro-controller is a task specific single integrated circuit, commonly with the following features:
- central processing unit - ranging from small and simple 4-bit processors to complex 32- or 64-bit processors
- volatile memory (RAM) for data storage
- ROM, EPROM, EEPROM or Flash memory for program and operating parameter storage
- discrete input and output bits, allowing control or detection of the logic state of an individual package pin
- serial input/output such as serial ports (UARTs)
- other serial communications interfaces like I²C, Serial Peripheral Interface and Controller Area Network for system interconnect
- peripherals such as timers, event counters, PWM generators, and watchdog
- clock generator - often an oscillator for a quartz timing crystal, resonator or RC circuit
- many include analog-to-digital converters, some include digital-to-analog converters
- in-circuit programming and debugging support
Related topics:
Computer Internals | Microprocessor | Microprocessor Vs Microcontroller | Microcontroller and Embedded Systems | Choosing a Microcontroller
List of topics: Microcomputer
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