Microcontrollers: Difference between revisions
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A microcontroller is effectively a small, low-cost computer designed to perform a small number of specific tasks. Unlike a common desktop computer, a microcontroller will often run a single program, compared to the thousands of programs a computer can run. They are often low-power devices as well, able to be run off of standard battery power, and thus can be used in portable devices. | |||
The basic task of a microcontroller is to receive input from the device it is controlling, then using a programmable processing chip it reads its program from the small memory storage, and then controls the device by sending signals to different components within the device. For example, the microcontroller inside a TV takes input from the remote control and displays output on the TV screen, controlling the channel selector, the speaker system and certain adjustments on the picture such as tint and brightness. | |||
Microcontrollers are often "embedded" inside some other device so that they can control the features or actions of the product, thus they are also referred to as an "embedded controller." | |||
Revision as of 18:05, 19 July 2015
A microcontroller is effectively a small, low-cost computer designed to perform a small number of specific tasks. Unlike a common desktop computer, a microcontroller will often run a single program, compared to the thousands of programs a computer can run. They are often low-power devices as well, able to be run off of standard battery power, and thus can be used in portable devices.
The basic task of a microcontroller is to receive input from the device it is controlling, then using a programmable processing chip it reads its program from the small memory storage, and then controls the device by sending signals to different components within the device. For example, the microcontroller inside a TV takes input from the remote control and displays output on the TV screen, controlling the channel selector, the speaker system and certain adjustments on the picture such as tint and brightness.
Microcontrollers are often "embedded" inside some other device so that they can control the features or actions of the product, thus they are also referred to as an "embedded controller."