What is Microcontroller

Microcontroller : -

 A micro controller ( UC or MCU ) is a mini computer on a single chip or IC ( integrated circuit ) containing a CPU (microprocessor) , RAM , ROM , input/output ports , Timers  , and other peripherals. Most of the Microcontroller are programmable , the program ( Coding ) is written in many programming languages such as Assembly language , C language , C++ etc .Today microcontrollers are very small , cheap and easy to handle and program such as 89c51 , 89c52 , 89c55 etc .This type of microconrollers are consume almost zero power .Any microcontroller  need a programmer for upload the code ( program hex file ) into the microcontroller , some microcontroller programmed directly though serial port such as 89c55. In below figure the inside view of a microcontroller  is shown .                                                                                                                                                                                                    

RAM : 

(Random Access Memory) is the most common memory in Microcontrollers and computers this memory is used for temporary storage . The RAM is Volatile memory mean , data lost when power is off . In simple meaning , the RAM is temporary storage of program when computer or Microcontroller is Running .

ROM :

(Read Only Memory) is also very important memory in Microcontroller and computers this memory is used for Permanent storage and Information in ROM can not be change . ROM contain the programs and information , ROM is nonvolatile memory data not lost when computer or power of Microcontroller is off .

CPU :

(Central Processing Unit) is very very important unit in Computer and Microprocessors the main function of CPU is to execute the information ( Coding / Programs ) stored in Memory .

I/O Ports :

(Input/Output Ports) are used for communication (Interfacing) , the communication between Microcontroller and other devices such as Sensors , external memory .89c51 Microcontroller contain Four I/O ports and one port contain 8 lines .

Timers :

As shown from name the Times are used for timing functions like generate the delays etc etc .In 89c51 Microcontroller Timers consists on 16-bit register ( 2 byte ) called THx/TLx .

Timers are also used for counting .In simple words 89c51 has two Timers and they can be used either as : 

1. Timers to generate the delay    OR 
2. Event Counter ( Count the high to Low transaction )  

Difference between Microcontroller and Microprocessor :-

As shown from name the Microprocessor is only processing unit . If we compare the microprocessor with microcontroller , the microprocessor have no RAM , ROM , I/O ports ,Times nothing the Microprocessor is only a CPU ( Central processing Unit ) . The microproccesor need external RAM, ROM and other peripherals for proper function .The microprocessor is used when fast processing is required such in computers .                                                                                                                                                                          

The intel 8086 is 80 Family Microprocessor it is 16-bit Microprocessor made by Intel in 1997 .  

                   


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