An Introduction to Microcontrollers.pptx
- 2. Microcontrollers • Small, self-contained computers that are used to control a wide range of devices, from washing machines to drones. • The general microcontroller consists of the processor, the memory (RAM, ROM, EPROM), Serial ports, peripherals (timers, counters), etc. • They can be programmed to perform a wide range of tasks, making them ideal for use in everything from robotics to home automation systems.
- 4. • Central processing unit (CPU) – Executes instructions & performs Calculations. • Memory – Used to store and retrieve data. • Random Access Memory (RAM) – Volatile, stores the data required to be processed • Read Only Memory (ROM) – Non-volatile, permanently stores the data • Input/Output (I/O) pins – Used to interact with external devices such as sensors or actuators. • Digital pins – Have two signals (High and Low) • Analog pins – Continuous values • Others • Other components of a microcontroller may include timers, counters, UART, PWM, and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) – Used to measure and respond to changes in its environment.
- 5. Serial and Parallel Communication
- 6. • Serial and parallel communication are two methods used for transmitting data between devices. • Serial communication is a method of transmitting data one bit at a time over a single wire or channel. • In serial communication, the sender sends a stream of bits, one after the other, while the receiver decodes them into meaningful data. • Example: I2C, SPI, and USART are some serial communication protocol • Parallel communication is a method of transmitting multiple bits of data simultaneously using separate channels. • In this method, each bit of the data is transmitted through its own dedicated wire or channel. • This allows for faster data transfer rates as compared to serial communication.
- 7. Choosing the right controller • Cost • Power Consumption • Processing power • Memory Size • Number of GPIO pins • Network Communication Types of Microcontroller • PIC microcontroller • ARM microcontroller • 8051 microcontroller • AVR microcontroller • MSP microcontroller
- 8. Programming a Controller • Development Environment – like Arduino IDE, Cube • Programming Knowledge – C and C++ • Compilers • Microcontroller board – Arduino Uno, NodeMCU • Peripherals – Sensors, Actuators • Programming involves writing a set of instructions that tell the microcontroller what to do. • These instructions are written in a programming language such as C or Assembly. • Once you have written your program, you need to upload it to the microcontroller.
- 9. Application of Microcontroller • Controlling machines, sensing and monitoring devices, and automated systems. • Many home automation systems rely on microcontrollers to control lighting, temperature, and security features. • In the automotive industry, microcontrollers are used in engine management systems, anti-lock brakes, and airbag deployment. • Even medical devices such as insulin pumps and pacemakers use microcontrollers to regulate the dosage and monitor vital signs.