Difference between revisions of "Microcontroller"
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A Microcontroller is a single chip [[computer]]. It's core is a [[CPU]], around which there is [[RAM]], ROM (Read only memory) (for program and constant data) and typically I/O units (Peripherals). |
A Microcontroller is a single chip [[computer]]. It's core is a [[CPU]], around which there is [[RAM]], ROM (Read only memory) (for program and constant data) and typically I/O units (Peripherals). |
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Most microcontrollers also come with built-in oscillators in order to reduce the number of external components needed. |
Most microcontrollers also come with built-in oscillators in order to reduce the number of external components needed. |
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| + | [[File: MCU.svg | thumb | A schematic representation of a microcontroller unit]] |
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== CPU == |
== CPU == |
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Most of today's microcontrollers are built around a 8/16 or 32-bit CPU core. However, there are also microcontrollers with multiple CPUs. |
Most of today's microcontrollers are built around a 8/16 or 32-bit CPU core. However, there are also microcontrollers with multiple CPUs. |
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Latest revision as of 17:57, 2 August 2019
A Microcontroller is a single chip computer. It's core is a CPU, around which there is RAM, ROM (Read only memory) (for program and constant data) and typically I/O units (Peripherals). Most microcontrollers also come with built-in oscillators in order to reduce the number of external components needed.
Contents
CPU
Most of today's microcontrollers are built around a 8/16 or 32-bit CPU core. However, there are also microcontrollers with multiple CPUs.
RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory.
ROM
ROM is non-volatile, read only memory. In most cases, it is actually Flash memory, which is a reprogrammable solid state memory.
Oscillator
An oscillator is a device that, given a certain frequency and constant voltage, can be used as a clock.
Peripherals
A Peripheral is a hardware device other than the processor and the memory. Peripherals can be basic digital I/O (also referred to as GPIO, general purpose I/O), or more complex things such as Timers, UART, SPI, Ethernet or CAN interfaces.
