What is the fuzz about microcontrollers?
The generic definition of a microcontroller is a small, low-cost and self-contained computer-on-a-chip that can be used as an embedded system. A microcontrollers work at clock rate frequencies, which usually include:
- An 8 or 16 or 32 or 64 bit microprocessor.
- A little measure of RAM.
- Programmable ROM and flash memory.
- Parallel and serial I/O.
- Timers and signal generators.
- ADC and DAC
Microcontrollers usually must have low-power requirements since many devices they control are battery-operated. Microcontrollers are used in many consumer electronics, car engines, computer peripherals and test or measurement equipment. And these are well suited for long-lasting battery applications. They are used in mobile phones, tablets, smart watch, lifts, automobile, tracking IoT devices, electronic motor controllers and consumer products, the list just goes on.
Microcontrollers
- PIC — This is the classic micro from Microchip. Very simple, very proven, but it lacks many of the features that other manufactures are building into their chips.
- AVR — This is basically a direct competitor of PICs. They do everything a PIC does, but in my new opinion, better, faster, cheaper, and simpler.
- MSP — These are very good micros by Texas Instruments (TI), not as beefy as AVR or…
