Basics of

Microcontroll
er
ICT 9
Objective
• Discuss the basics of microcontroller,
history, and application of
• microcontroller.
Identify the difference of
microcontroller and microprocessor.
• Determine the usage of
microcontroller in the real life
experience
Think
About
WITH THE HELP OF YOUR TEACHER OR
CARER,
test whether your suggestions and

It!
drawings will make the bulb light using
actual batteries, a small lightbulb, and
How can you turn a
wires.
simple idea into a real,
working device using a
microcontroller?
BASICS OF
M I C R O CO N T R
OLLER
WHAT IS
MICROCONTROLLER?

A microcontroller is a
compact integrated
circuit designed to
govern a specific
operation in an
embedded system.
COMPONENT
S OF
M I C R O CO N T R
OLLER
CENTRAL
PROCESSING UNIT

A CPU reads,
decodes and
executes instructions
to perform
Arithmetic, Logic and
Data Transfer
operations.
MEMORY

Program instructions
that tell the brain or
the CPU
on what to do.
TW O
PRIMARY
MEMORY
Read Only Memory
(ROM)

A type of computer
memory that stores
permanent data and
instructions for the
device to start up.
Random Access
Memory (RAM)

A temporary storage
location where data
can be retrieved or
rewritten in any order
to support the real-
time working of
computer and mobile
applications.
Inputs (I/Ps) and
Outputs (O/Ps)

Input/Output (I/O) peripherals are

the supporting components that
interface with the memory and
processor, allowing a
microcontroller to interact with the
outside world.
Example of Inputs
(I/Ps)
Sensor - These are like the
microcontroller's eyes and
ears.
• Light: A light sensor can tell the
microcontroller how bright it is.
• Temperature: A temperature sensor can
tell the microcontroller how hot or cold it
is.
• Buttons and Switches: These are simple
on/off inputs that tell the microcontroller
if they're pressed or not.
Example of Outputs
(I/Ps)
Actuators: These are like the
microcontroller's muscles.
• LEDs: These are tiny lights that
can be turned on and off.
• Motors: These can make things
spin, like the wheels on a robot.
• Speakers: These can make
sounds.
HISTORY OF
M I C R O CO N T R
OLLER
Example of Outputs
(I/Ps)
Actuators: These are like the
microcontroller's muscles.
• LEDs: These are tiny lights that
can be turned on and off.
• Motors: These can make things
spin, like the wheels on a robot.
• Speakers: These can make
sounds.
History of
Microcontroller
1971
TMS 1000, was
developed by Texas
Instruments. It was a 4-
bit microcontroller with
built-in ROM and RAM,
initially designed for
calculators.
History of
Microcontroller
1976
Intel introduced the
8048 and 8051,
popular 8-bit
microcontrollers that
became industry
standards.
History of
Microcontroller
Microcontrollers evolved
1980s
to include more features
like 16-bit and 32-bit
processors, integrated
analog and digital I/O, and
more memory. This
increased their
capabilities and allowed
them to be used in more
History of
Microcontroller
1990s ARM microcontrollers are a
family of 32-bit
microcontrollers that are
widely used in embedded
systems. They are known
for their high
performance, low power
consumption, and
versatility.
History of
Microcontroller
2000s While 8-bit and 16-bit
microcontrollers were still
widely used, 32-bit
architectures started to
become more common,
especially in applications
demanding higher
performance.
History of
Microcontroller
The rise of the IoT created a
2010s massive demand for low-power,
connected microcontrollers.
Many microcontrollers were
designed with features
specifically for IoT applications,
such as integrated Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, and other
communication protocols.
Types of
Microcontroller
8 Bit Microcontroller

Description Ideal Use

8-bit
Ideal for simple
microcontrollers are
embedded systems,
like tiny, cheap, and
such as home
energy-saving brains
appliances, toys, and
for simple gadgets.
basic consumer
They're perfect for
electronics where
basic tasks where
complex computations
you don't need a lot
are not required.
of processing power.
16 bit Microcontroller

Description Ideal Use

16-bit microcontrollers
are a good balance Suitable for automotive
between performance control systems, smart
and cost. They're more sensors, and small-
powerful than 8-bit scale embedded
ones, letting them
devices that require
handle more complex
moderate processing
tasks, but are still
cheaper than 32-bit power and efficiency.
options.
32 bit Microcontrollers

Description Ideal Use

32-bit microcontrollers Ideal for demanding
are the high-performance applications such as
option. They're much
multimedia systems,
faster and can handle
way more data than 8-bit advanced automotive
or 16-bit versions. This control systems, and
makes them capable of smart home devices
running complex that require high
software and doing
multiple things at once,
processing power and
like a mini-computer on a complex data
chip. manipulation.
Microcontroller
vs
Microprocessor
Micrcontroller vs
Microprocessor
Microcontroll Microprocess
er or
Memory, CPU and IO are Memory and I/O are
present together connected externally

It can be used in compact It cannot be used in

systems compact systems

Cost is low Cost is high

Micrcontroller vs
Microprocessor
Microcontroll Microprocess
er or
Use on devices that can Not suitable for devices
store power that run on stored power

Do not have power saving Have a power-saving

mode mode

Used in embedded Used in Personal

systems Computer
Micrcontroller vs
Microprocessor
Microcontroll Microprocess
er or
Uses an internal Uses an external bus
controlling bus

Used in specialized
General computing, can
devices and in a specific
do multiple task
task

Relatively Slow Very Fast

E x am p l e s o f
Microcontroller
Arduino Uno

An open source,
ATmega328P
microcontroller-based
development board. It is
ideal for hobbyist,
educational purposes,
building electronic
projects. It can connect
easily to the sensors and
other components.
ESP32 Development
Boards

These are popular for

Internet of Things (IoT)
projects because they
include Wi-Fi and
Bluetooth capabilities
built into the
microcontroller.
Smart Thermostat

These devices learn your

temperature preferences
and automatically adjust
your heating or cooling. The
microcontroller is what
makes this "smart" behavior
possible. It analyzes the
data, controls the
heating/cooling system, and
communicates with other
devices.