Introduction to Microcontrollers and Microprocessors

Microcontrollers

• Small, compact computers for individual use
• Consist of a microprocessor, memory (RAM and storage), input/output interfaces, sometimes integrated peripherals.

Microprocessor

• Central processing unit (CPU) of a microcomputer
• Responsible for executing instructions and managing data flow within the system
• Executes all instructions and performs arithmetic and logic operations

Memory

• Crucial component affecting performance, storage, and functionality
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Retains content when power is off (non-volatile)
  • Stores instructions and data that don't change
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Does not retain content when power is off (volatile)
  • Stores programs and data that are temporary and change during execution

Input/Output

• Receiving data from external sources
• Sending processed data to external destinations

Basic Blocks of Microcomputers

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): Performs calculations and executes instructions
• Memory: Stores data and instructions
• Input/Output (I/O): Communicates data with external devices

System Bus

• Critical component facilitating communication between different parts of the computer
  • CPU, memory, input/output devices
• Address Bus: One-way communication (from microprocessor to memory/I/O)
• Data Bus: Two-way communication (to or from CPU)
• Control Bus: Synchronizes operation of microcomputer elements

Von Neumann Architecture

• Single memory system with the same address and data buses
• Programs and data cannot be accessed simultaneously

Harvard Architecture

• Separate program and data memory units
• Separate buses for instructions and data
• Allows simultaneous execution of instructions and access to data

Microcontroller Programming

• Enables creation of smart, automated systems
• Instructs microcontrollers to interpret and respond to various signals and conditions

Arduino

• Open-source electronics platform
• Microcontroller board, software/IDE (Integrated Development Environment), programming language
• Advantages: Inexpensive, cross-platform (Windows, Macintosh OSX, Linux), simple, clear programming environment, open-source and extensible software and hardware

Basic Arduino Boards

• Vary in size and features
• Example: Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano, Arduino Leonardo, Arduino Micro

Arduino Programming Structure

• Structure: Framework for every program
  • setup(): Runs once at startup (initializes variables, pin modes, libraries)
  • loop(): Runs continuously after setup() (executes code repeatedly, responds to inputs)
• Functions: Blocks of code performing specific tasks
  • Built-in functions (e.g., digitalWrite(), analogRead(), delay())
  • Custom functions for modular and reusable code
• Variables: Store data (e.g., integer, boolean, string)

Arduino Data Types

• String: Used for text data
• Integer, Double, Float, Byte, Long, Boolean, Char, Short
• Arrays: Store collections of the same data type

Arduino Programming Constants

• Pins: INPUT, OUTPUT, INPUT_PULLUP
• Logical: HIGH, LOW
• Timing: millis(), micros()
• Special: PI, E
• Serial Communication: SERIAL_BAUD
• Boolean: TRUE, FALSE

Example Sketch (Turning LED On/Off)

void setup() {
  pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT); // Initialize LED pin as output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH); // Turn LED on
  delay(1000); // Wait 1 second
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW); // Turn LED off
  delay(1000); // Wait 1 second
}

Explore the fundamentals of microcontrollers and microprocessors in this quiz. Learn about their components, including memory types like RAM and ROM, and understand their roles in microcomputer systems. Perfect for electronics enthusiasts and students.