what is a microcontroller ???

Microcontroller is a functional computer system on a chip. It contains a processor core, memory (a small amount of RAM, program memory, or both), and input-output equipment.

In other words, the microcontroller is a digital electronic device that has inputs and outputs and controls with a program that can be written and erased in a special way, the workings of the actual microcontroller to read and write data. Just an example, imagine yourself as you begin to learn to read and write, when you can already do that you can read any good books, short stories, articles and so on, and you also can also write things otherwise. Similarly, if you are already adept at reading and writing data then you can create a program to create an automatic regulation system using a microcontroller according to your wishes. On-chip microcontroller is a computer used to control electronic equipment, which emphasizes efficiency and cost effectiveness. It literally can be called "little control" in which an electronic system that previously many require supporting components such as TTL and CMOS ICs can be reduced / minimized and eventually centralized and controlled by the microcontroller this.

Mikrokonktroler used in products and tools that are controlled automatically, such as engine control systems, remote controls, office machines, home appliances, heavy equipment, and toys. By reducing the size, cost and power consumption compared to the design using microprocessor memory, input and output are separate devices, microcontrollers make the presence of electrical controls for the various processes become more economical. By using this microcontroller then:


· An electronic system will be more concise

· Design of electronic systems will be faster because most of the system is software that is easily modified

· Search disorders more easily traced because the system is compact

However, the microcontroller can not completely reduce the TTL and CMOS IC components are often still required for high speed applications, or simply increase the number of input channels and output (I / O). In other words, the microcontroller is a mini or micro version of a computer that already contains some of the peripheral microcontroller which can be used directly, for example a parallel port, serial port, comparators, digital to analog conversion (DAC), analog to digital conversion and so only use the system minimum that is not complicated or complex.

In order for a microcontroller to function, then the microcontroller will require external components are then referred to the minimum system requirements. To make the system required a minimum of at least the system clock and reset, although in some cases already provides a system microcontroller internal clock, so that without any external microcontroller circuit is operational.

To design a microcontroller-based system, we need hardware and software, namely:

1. minimal system microcontroller

2. software programming and compiler, and downloader

The definition of a minimal system is a microcontroller circuit which can already be used to run an application. A microcontroller IC tidakakan means if just stand alone. Basically a minimal system of AVR microcontrollers have the same principle, which consists of four parts, namely:

1. processors, namely the microcontroller itself

2. reset circuit for microcontroller can run the program starting from scratch

3. clock circuit, which is used to provide pulses in the CPU

4. power supply circuit, which is used to provide resources

In particular jenis2 microcontroller (AVR for example), point2 at No. 2, 3 is already available in the microcontroller with a frequency that has been setup from the vendor (usually 1MHz, 2MHz, 4MHz, 8MHz), so users do not need to require an additional circuit, but if you want to design systems with certain specifications (eg like communication with a PC or mobile phone), then the user must use a clock circuit according to the characteristics of a PC or HP, usually using a 11.0592 MHz crystal, to produce appropriate communication with baud rate of PC or HP.

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