Microcontroller in POWER Electronics Applications (13)

Microcontrollers Control the Hardware that implement the Operation of the System. The MCU Receives Inputs and Controls the Peripheral Circuitry (Outputs) according to a Pre-defined Program that tells it what to do and how to Respond.

Types of Microcontrollers:

Although there are many Recognized Manufacturing Brands and Programming Architectures used for Microcontrollers, there are just three distinct Types of MCUs in current use.

The main Distinction between the three Microcontroller Types comes in terms of their respective BUS Widths - the Width of their respective Data pipes.

This is ultimately the Key Specifications that Limit the Mathematical Precision of the Microcontroller’s Speed. In short, an 8-bit Microcontroller will require an increased number of BUS Accesses and more Instructions to perform 16-bit or 32-bit Calculations. It will therefore arrive at the answer much Slower than a 16-bit MCU or 32-bit MCU.

In Computing terms, it is Effectively the same sort of Limitation issue as you would find with a Slow CPU rather than a Faster, more Powerful one. These important criteria will impact the Choice and Scope of Programming Languages you can comfortably use with a Microcontroller Unit. Whether it is C++, Python, or Arduino, Microcontrollers are widely Compatible with a variety of Programming Languages although the Specifics will depend on the Device.

8-bit MCUs have long been viewed as the most Basic & Cost-Effective options, but with Limited Functionality in some Applications. 16-bit & 32-bit Microcontrollers are Typically more Expensive but offer Performance Gains to match.

Other Microcontroller Applications:

Across an array of Modern Applications & Industries, Microcontrollers have quickly achieved widespread Market Penetration and can be found today in many Technologies and Gadgets. Any Electronic Device containing a Sensor, a Display, a User Interface, and a Programmable Output Control or Actuator is Likely to Feature an MCU.

Some of the more Common Microcontroller Projects & Applications where they are used include:

-Automation & Robotics

-Consumer Electronics & Domestic Appliances

-Medical & Laboratory Equipment (Handheld Diagnostic Devices, Scanners & X-ray Machines, Measuring & Analysis & Monitoring Tools, ...)

-Automotive Industries & Vehicle Control Systems (Powertrain Adjustment, Multimedia Consoles, Navigation Software, ...)

-Industrial & Production Environment Controls (Heating & Cooling, Lighting, HVAC Systems, Safety Locking Mechanisms, ...)

-IoT Devices & Systems

What Do Microcontrollers Do?

When installed as part of a Functioning Circuit in a Device or System, a Microcontroller Board can Sense-Monitor-Respond to various Events, Behaviors, 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 Behavioral 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

-And more...

What is the History of Microcontrollers?

Microcontrollers were first invented in the early 1970s, becoming commercially available in 1974. Gary Boone, an Engineer from Texas Instruments, is credited with inventing the initial concept of the Modern Microcontroller. Coincidentally, the first Microprocessors were also being developed at this time.

Miled Kafrouni

MKafronics Instruments

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