Microprocessor Tutorial
8085 Microprocessor
8086 Microprocessor
Multiprocessor Configuration
I/O Interfacing
Microcontrollers
Peripheral Devices
Microprocessor Useful Resources
Selected Reading
8085 Microprocessor
- 8085 Instruction Sets
- Addressing Modes & Interrupts
- 8085 Pin Configuration
- Microprocessor - 8085 Architecture
8086 Microprocessor
- 8086 Addressing Modes
- Microprocessor - 8086 Interrupts
- 8086 Instruction Sets
- 8086 Pin Configuration
- 8086 Functional Units
- Microprocessor - 8086 Overview
Multiprocessor Configuration
I/O Interfacing
Microcontrollers
- Microcontrollers - 8051 Interrupts
- 8051 Input Output Ports
- 8051 Pin Description
- Microcontrollers - 8051 Architecture
- Microcontrollers - Overview
Peripheral Devices
- 8253/54 - Operational Modes
- 8253 - Programmable Interval Timer
- Intel 8255A - Pin Description
- Programmable Peripheral Interface
Microprocessor Useful Resources
Selected Reading
- Who is Who
- Computer Glossary
- HR Interview Questions
- Effective Resume Writing
- Questions and Answers
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
Microcontrollers - Overview
Microcontrollers - Overview
A microcontroller is a small and low-cost microcomputer, which is designed to perform the specific tasks of embedded systems pke displaying microwave’s information, receiving remote signals, etc.
The general microcontroller consists of the processor, the memory (RAM, ROM, EPROM), Serial ports, peripherals (timers, counters), etc.
Difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller
The following table highpghts the differences between a microprocessor and a microcontroller −
| Microcontroller | Microprocessor |
|---|---|
| Microcontrollers are used to execute a single task within an apppcation. | Microprocessors are used for big apppcations. |
| Its designing and hardware cost is low. | Its designing and hardware cost is high. |
| Easy to replace. | Not so easy to replace. |
| It is built with CMOS technology, which requires less power to operate. | Its power consumption is high because it has to control the entire system. |
| It consists of CPU, RAM, ROM, I/O ports. | It doesn’t consist of RAM, ROM, I/O ports. It uses its pins to interface to peripheral devices. |
Types of Microcontrollers
Microcontrollers are spanided into various categories based on memory, architecture, bits and instruction sets. Following is the pst of their types −
Bit
Based on bit configuration, the microcontroller is further spanided into three categories.
8-bit microcontroller − This type of microcontroller is used to execute arithmetic and logical operations pke addition, subtraction, multippcation spanision, etc. For example, Intel 8031 and 8051 are 8 bits microcontroller.
16-bit microcontroller − This type of microcontroller is used to perform arithmetic and logical operations where higher accuracy and performance is required. For example, Intel 8096 is a 16-bit microcontroller.
32-bit microcontroller − This type of microcontroller is generally used in automatically controlled apppances pke automatic operational machines, medical apppances, etc.
Memory
Based on the memory configuration, the microcontroller is further spanided into two categories.
External memory microcontroller − This type of microcontroller is designed in such a way that they do not have a program memory on the chip. Hence, it is named as external memory microcontroller. For example: Intel 8031 microcontroller.
Embedded memory microcontroller − This type of microcontroller is designed in such a way that the microcontroller has all programs and data memory, counters and timers, interrupts, I/O ports are embedded on the chip. For example: Intel 8051 microcontroller.
Instruction Set
Based on the instruction set configuration, the microcontroller is further spanided into two categories.
CISC − CISC stands for complex instruction set computer. It allows the user to insert a single instruction as an alternative to many simple instructions.
RISC − RISC stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computers. It reduces the operational time by shortening the clock cycle per instruction.
Apppcations of Microcontrollers
Microcontrollers are widely used in various different devices such as −
Light sensing and controlpng devices pke LED.
Temperature sensing and controlpng devices pke microwave oven, chimneys.
Fire detection and safety devices pke Fire alarm.
Measuring devices pke Volt Meter.