Microcontroller

A computer on a chip device that combines a range of useful hardware in a convienent package. Also known as a MCU in technical some documents.

In a microcontroller package you would expect to find flash memory (usually NAND type), RAM, CPU, analogue to digital converters, tri-state input/outputs, internal oscillator (often an external crystal is used anyway), ICSP interface.

ICSP enables the flash memory top be programmed via a simple five-wire serial protocol. This standard applies to AVR, PIC and others. A simple circuit connected to a PC serial port enables convienent programming of the MCU without removing it from it's socket.

• Serial ICSP programing

Common microcontrollers

• PIC
  • PICaxe series
• AVR
  • ATMEGA168 - as used on the Arduino prototype board

Usage

We plan to use a MCU to control front panel displays and indicators.

Microcontroller boards

• Arduino
  • Arduino NG AVR microprocessor board
  • Schematics
• PIC
  • PIC16C505

See also

• Front panel
• Turntable USB interface
• Microcontroller