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microcontroller

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A microcontroller is a logic IC that includes a central processor, memory, input/output, timer and other circuits that all together form a computer, all on one chip. The central processor retrieves commands pre-programmed into the memory and executes them much the same as a PC, except that the commands are primitives like "move data byte from one place to another" or "add two 16 bit numbers" or "set Input Port A1 to ON", or "if the input bit at port B3 is a 1, then start timer". Those who use these microcontrollers design programs to do specific functions and then program those programs into the on-chip memory. Usually this memory is non-volatile, meaning the chip doesn't forget the program when you turn off the power. So from the point it is programmed, the microcontroller becomes an application specific chip that does what it is told. Since the chip is programmed by the circuit designer to do many things, one microcontroller type can be used for thousands of different jobs.

These devices, supplied by companies like MicroChip and Atmel and many many others, are used in millions of different devices to control things. Devices like cars, washing machines, I-Pods, cell phones, television sets, DVD players, coffee makers, calculators, airplanes, satellites, toys, clock radios and on and on, in fact they are used anywhere that the designer wants something to be controlled. These microcontrollers are now so inexpensive and simple that many designers use them for even the simplest applications, like turning a lamp on and off for example or making a little girls doll say "mama".
 
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