Microcontroller Introduction (PDF Slides 32p)

EBook Description: Some notes on Microcontroller.

A microcontroller is a small, low-cost computer-on-a-chip which usually includes:
� An 8 or 16 bit microprocessor (CPU).
� A small amount of RAM.
� Programmable ROM and/or flash memory.
� Parallel and/or serial I/O.
� Timers and signal generators.
� Analog to Digital (A/D) and/or Digital to Analog (D/A) conversion.

PIC microcontrollers

The situation we find ourselves today in the field of microcontrollers had its beginnings in the development of technology of integrated circuits. This development has enabled us to store hundreds of thousands of transistors into one chip. That was a precondition for the manufacture of microprocessors. The first computers were made by adding external peripherals such as memory, input/output lines, timers and others to it. Further increasing of package density resulted in creating an integrated circuit which contained both processor and peripherals. That is how the first chip containing a microcomputer later known as a microcontroller has developed.

Microcontrollers and Robotics

Microcontrollers
� Architectures, instruction sets, and programming
� Microchip Technology�s PIC microcontrollers
� PIC18F452
� Control of alphanumeric LCD displays
� Digital and analog I/O ports
� External memory interface
� A/D, D/A conversion, sensors
� Motor control, PWM
� Timers
� Interrupts
� Serial I/O
� USARTs

Standard 8051 Tutorial

Despite its relatively old age, the 8051 is one of the most popular microcontrollers in use today. Many derivative microcontrollers have since been developed that are based on--and compatible with--the 8051. Thus, the ability to program an 8051 is an important skill for anyone who plans to develop products that will take advantage of microcontrollers.

8052 Tutorial

The 8052 microcontroller is the 8051's "big brother." It is a slightly more powerful microcontroller, sporting a number of additional features which the developer may make use of:
256 bytes of Internal RAM (compared to 128 in the standard 8051).
A third 16-bit timer, capable of a number of new operation modes and 16-bit reloads.
Additional SFRs to support the functionality offered by the third timer.

A software based Real Time Clock (RTC)

A Real-Time-Clock (RTC) is, as the name suggests, a clock which keeps track of time in a "real mode." While there are a number of 8051-compatible microcontrollers that have built-in, accurate real-time clocks (especially from Dallas Semiconductor), some simple applications may benefit from a software RTC solution that uses the built-in capabilitites of an 8051 microcontroller.

LCD Programming Part 2 4 bit Mode

In the first tutorial we have seen that character LCD's based on the HD44780 chip can be driven in 8bits mode, which requires in total 11 lines from you microcontroller. If we want (or need) to spare some lines for other purposes it is possible to drive the display in 4bits mode, which requires 7 lines. It is possible to use only 6 lines, in which case R/W is tied to GrouND. This configuration is seen many times in projects. Instead of reading the busy flag (which is somewhat trickier than it is in 8 bit modus) we have to use delay loops.

Embedded Processor and Microcontroller primer and FAQ

This article is a primer and general FAQ about embedded processors and
microcontrollers. Included is a collection of information sources.

Dallas DS80C320 Tutorial

The DS80C320 microcontroller, by Dallas Semiconductor, is a popular derivative of the industry-standard 8052 microcontroller.
The 80C320 offers all the functionality of a standard 8052 with a number of new features and enhancements. However, all the new features are provided in such a way that the vast majority of programs will require no modification. By simply replacing an existing 8052 microcontroller with the 80C320, the program will realize an automatic speed increase.

MICROCONTROLLERS MADE EASY

A few years ago, system control functions were implemented using logic components and were usually large, heavy boxes. Later on, microprocessors were used and the entire controller could fit onto a small circuit board.

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