A microcontroller is a small, low-cost microcomputer designed to perform specific tasks for embedded systems like displaying information on appliances or receiving remote signals. It consists of a processor, memory like RAM and ROM, serial ports, and peripherals like timers and counters. Microcontrollers are used for single tasks in applications, have low design and hardware costs, and are easy to replace. They use less power than microprocessors which are used for larger applications but have higher costs and power consumption since they control entire systems.

1. Microcontrollers - Overview
A microcontroller is a small and low-
cost microcomputer, which is designed
to perform the specific tasks of
embedded systems like 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.

2. Difference between Microprocessor
and Microcontroller
• Microcontrollers are used to
execute a single task within
an application.
• Its designing and hardware
cost is low.
• Easy to replace.
It is built with CMOS
technology, which requires
less power to operate.
It consists of CPU, RAM, ROM,
I/O ports.
• Microprocessors are used
for big applications.
• Its designing and hardware
cost is high.
• Not so easy to replace.
• Its power consumption is
high because it has to
control the entire system.
It doesn’t consist of RAM,
ROM, I/O ports. It uses its
pins to interface to
peripheral devices.