This document provides an overview of microcontrollers and embedded systems. It discusses that microcontrollers are a key technology for controlling various processes and devices. Microcontrollers come in a variety of configurations from 4-bit to 32-bit. The document reviews common microcontroller families like the PIC16F87x and key suppliers in the market. It also notes that embedded systems outsell traditional PC processors by over 99% and the market for microcontrollers was over $16 billion in 2000 with the 8-bit segment comprising over half of shipments.

1. EE290: Introduction to
Microcontrollers
Spring 2002
Martin D. Fox
M.D., Ph. D.

2. Agenda
 Definition of Microcontrollers and
Embedded Microprocessors
 Components
 Microcontroller Market
 Key Suppliers

3. Overview
 Microcontrollers - a key impact technology
for the 21st century
 Microcontrollers.com: “In the aggregate,
PC microprocessors are responsible
for less than 1% of all processors
sold. Embedded processors outsell
PC processors by more than 99%.”
 Today: Brief overview

4. Microcontrollers and
Embedded Controllers
 Controls some process or aspect of the
environment: Microcontrollers Vs. DSPs
 DSPs optimized for math [multiplies]
 Embedded controller may not be a microcontroller
per se but is used for special purpose control
application
 Typical applications: temperature control, smart
instrument, GPS, digital lock, cell phone, etc. .
 Exercise: write down five µController based
devices

5. Examples
 Personal information products: Cell phone, pager,
watch, pocket recorder, calculator
 Laptop components: mouse, keyboard, modem,
fax card, sound card, battery charger
 Home appliances: door lock, alarm clock,
thermostat, air conditioner, tv remote, hair dryer,
VCR, small refrigerator, exercise equipment,
washer/dryer, microwave oven
 Toys; video games, cars, dolls, etc.

6. Microcontroller Families
 Most manufacturers offer a wide range of devices
for low end to higher end applications
 Microcontroller.com, “In January 2000,
Microchip shipped its one billionth 8-bit
PIC microcontroller.”
 Example : Microcontroller Manufacturers
 Embedded systems and gizmos
 Characteristics of the PIC 16F87x

7. 16F87x
Family:
Features

8. Typical
Micro
Controller
Elements
From:
PIC
16F87x
data
sheet

9. Microcontrollers
 Processing power: 4 bit, 8 bit, 16 bit, 32 bit
 Microcontrollers.com: “The highest rate of
new product success is in the 8-bit
microcontroller market. The lowest rate of
success is in the 64- and 32-bit
microcontroller markets.”
 Specific features: communications, keyboard
handling, signal processing, video processing

10. Microcontroller Market
 Shipments- > 16 Billion in 2000, 8 bit > 1/2
market
 Major Players: Microchip 16Fxx, Intel
8051, Motorola MC68HC05, National
COP800, SGS/Thomson ST62, Zilog
Z86Cxx: 8 bit comparison

11. Speed comparison
From: Mark Palmer, AN520 A Comparison of 8 bit
Microcontrollers, Microchip AN, 1995.

12. Shipments
1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000
0
5000
10000
1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000
Worldwide MicrocontrollerShipments in Millions ofDollars
4-bit
8-bit
16-bit

13. 16F87x
Instruction
Set
[35]

14. P1

15. P1-
2

16. Summary
 Microprocessors and embedded controllers
are a ubiquitous part of life today
 These devices come in a wide variety of
configurations and designs
 Headhunters report that EEs familiar with
µC, µP design are in the highest possible
demand
 Feedback

17. More Information
 In the next session we will explore in more
depth key features of µControllers
 All major Manufacturers have web sites