MPvsMC
Syllabus
Introduction to Microcontroller and Microprocessors, role of Embedded Systems, open source embedded platforms
Differences between μC and μP
Microprocessor | Microcontroller |
---|---|
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CPU is stand-alone, RAM, ROM, I/O & timer are separate. | CPU, RAM, ROM, I/O & timer all are on single chip. |
Designer can decide amount of RAM, ROM & I/O ports. | Fixed amount of on-chip RAM, ROM & I/O ports. |
High processing power | Low processing power |
High power consumption | Low power consumption |
Typically 32/64 bit | 8/16 bit |
General purpose | Single purpose (control oriented) |
Less reliable | Highly reliable |
Examples: 8086, 8085 | Examples: 8051, ATmega328P |
Embedded System
Any computing system other than Desktop or PC which performs a dedicated function.
Ex. Washing Machine,Printer
Microcontrollers for embedded systems
- In the literature discussing microprocessors, we often see the term embedded system. Microprocessors and microcontrollers are widely used in embedded system products.
- An embedded product uses a microprocessor (or microcontroller) to do one task and one task only.
- A printer is an example of embedded system since the processor inside it performs only one task; namely, getting the data and printing it. Contrast this with a Pentium-based PC (or any x86 IBM-compatible PC).
- A PC can be used for any number of applications such as word processor, print server, bank teller terminal, video game player, network server, or internet terminal. Software for a variety of applications can be loaded and run. Of course the reason a PC can perform myriad tasks is that it has RAM memory and an operating system that loads the application software into RAM and lets the CPU run it.
- In an embedded system, there is only one application software that is typically burned into ROM.
- An x86 PC contains or is connected to various embedded products such as the keyboard, printer, modem, disk controller, sound card, CD-ROM driver, mouse, and so on.
- Each one of these peripherals has a microcontroller inside it that performs only one task. For example, inside every mouse there is a microcontroller that performs the task of finding the mouse position and sending it to the PC. Table 1-1 lists some embedded products.
Role of μC in Embedded System Market
A microcontroller is a small computer on a Single Integrated Circuit containing a processor core, memory and programmable input/ output peripherals. Program memory in the form of NOR flash or OTPROM is also often included on chip, as well as a typically small amount of RAM.
Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general purpose applications.
Role of μC:
- They satisfies market needs, have so many features, and are designed for satisfying embedded system needs. That means perform functions only for its (embedded systems) purpose.
- They provide wide marketing area for embedded systems.
- They upgrade standard of embedded system market.
- It simplifies the complexity of market needs.
- They help in innovations (standard applications).
- Power consumption factor is more favorable: They require or consume less energy, which is the main factor, to satisfy user needs.
- Heart of the embedded system: Microcontroller is the heart of embedded system, because it gives life for embedded system applications. The invention of microcontroller made an unexpected changes in embedded technology.
- Applications have high perfection: Perfection in embedded system applications by the invention of microcontroller.
- Reduces cost of embedded system applications: Embedded systems are designed to do some specific task in contrast to a general purpose computer which is used for multiple tasks.
- It makes embedded systems flexible in market.
- Make effective use (due to cost): Many embedded systems more microcontrollers, which have self sufficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Embedded systems are typically far cheaper than general-purpose personal computers.
- Interconnection: Once the hardware is decided upon, an interconnection fabric must be devised.
- Low power design: A general goal in embedded systems, low power design is particularly important for SoC.
- Testing and verification: The increase in complexity combined with a lack of knowledge about individual IP blocks that comes with reuse techniques leads to problems in adequate testing and verification of the complete systems.
- Energy management: Efficient metering systems helps in energy conservation.
References
- Notes by Prof. Sujit Wagh
- www.arduino.cc