Microcontroller

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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.

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

See also