Microcontroller

From Kathmann Labs

[edit] Microcontroller

A microcontroller, or also called MCU for MicroController Unit, is simply a small embedded computer designed to do a certain task. They usually come with a CPU, RAM, Flash, and IO built into a sinngle chip. You can also get specialized MCUs that have options like ethernet built in, CAN built in, wireless built in, etc. Whereas the CPU in your computer is designed to be able to handle anything you throw at it, a MCU is picked up front for the features of that MCU, then programmed and put in place to control a certain process or procedure. MCUs are powerful, and can have a lot of IO (Input & Output) on a single chip. MCUs do anything from control your HVAC system to pacemakers. It is estimated that the Intel and AMD CPU's only make up for ~1 percent of all processors sold.

Many semiconductor companies make MCUs in different configurations and different architectures. Some of the most common are the ARM and RISC processors. The three that we've worked with so far on this site are the TI MSP430s, Microchip PICs, and Rabbit Semiconductor Rabbits. Please visit the Projects Page to see some of the work on these devices.