Microcontrollers are small, self-contained computers used to control various devices, composed of a CPU, memory, and I/O pins among other components. They can be programmed for diverse tasks and communicate using serial or parallel methods, influencing the choice of controller based on factors like cost and power consumption. Applications span multiple industries including home automation, automotive, and medical devices.

1. An Introduction to
Microcontrollers

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.

3. Components of Microcontrollers

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.