MICROCONTROLLER BASICS

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.

Sometimes referred to as an embedded controller or microcontroller unit (MCU), microcontrollers are found in automobile engine control systems, robots, office machines, medical devices, mobile radio transceivers, vending machines and home appliances, among other devices. You can define a microcontroller as a simplified computer - one that is generally designed to run a single basic programme repeatedly. By definition, microcontrollers are typically intended to perform a single automated task, as pre-programmed by the user, in a single device. They are designed to do this one job repeatedly (or, as is also common, on a timed loop).

What do microcontrollers do?

When installed as part of a functioning circuit in a device or system, a microcontroller board can sense, monitor and respond to various events, behaviours or input signals that it detects from connected components and its environment.

A microcontroller, for example, might be programmed to push a specific type of output signal or behavioural control in response to certain input criteria. This could include the execution of tasks such as:

• Illuminating an LED or OLED display in response to touch-based user demand
• Playing lights and sounds in temperature-sensing applications or other varieties of alarms and warning systems
• Responding to the need for a motor to switch on or off in a pump or other mechanical device
• Adjusting for tilt, balance, and velocity in gyroscope or accelerometer-based applications.

Microcontrollers are used in numerous applications across different sectors, including automotive, consumer electronics, industrial automation, and the Internet of Things. Their ability to perform specific tasks efficiently, combined with their low power consumption and small size, makes them ideal for embedded systems where space and energy efficiency are crucial.

Components of a Microcontroller-

1. CPU: This is the processor and the device's critical heart. It will process and issue responses to several instructions/commands that enable the functioning of the microcontroller.This will include I/O, logic, and arithmetic-related operations. It also handles data transfer while communicating the commands to other system components.

2. Memory: It helps store all the data received by the system's processor and uses responses to instructions as per its programming. The microcontroller setup usually comes with two memory types. The first one is program memory which is the storage of long-term data regarding the instructions borne out by the CPU. Program memory falls in the non-volatile category, meaning it can hold data over time minus the power source requirement. Data memory is another type of memory.This is necessary for temporarily storing data while the instructions are being implemented. Data memory falls in the volatile category, meaning that the data it holds is temporary and maintained only when the device is linked to a power source.

3. I/O Peripherals: The output and input devices are the primary interface for the processor about its relationship to the external world or environment. The input ports get data and dispatch the same to the processor as binary data. The processor will get this data before dispatching all main instructions to the output devices which will take care of other tasks external to the microcontroller.

   There are several other components which are also included in microcontrollers. The I/O peripherals definition may encompass various elements that have processor and memory interfaces. Some further supporting details include these:

• ADC: This means an Analog Digital Converter, a circuit, thereby enabling the conversion of analogue to digital signals. It allows processors at the microcontroller's centre to interface with external sensors or analogue devices.
• DAC: Digital to Analog Converters help take care of the reverse functionalities of the ADC while enabling the processor in the centre to easily communicate all outgoing signals to the components in the external analogue category.
• System Bus: It is a connective wire which connects all the components of microcontrollers with aplomb.
• Serial Port: It is an instance of I/O ports which enable microcontrollers to link up with external components. It works similarly to a parallel or USB port, although there is a difference in the bit exchange part.