Microcontrollers Flashcards
What is a microcontroller?
A programmable microcontroller is an electronic device that can be embedded into a product or system to add functionality.
What are some advantages of microcontrollers?
Can add functionality and control to a product or system, yet they are relatively simple to use
Can interface to a huge range of peripheral devices including sensors and output devices
Can, with the appropriate choice of sensor, measure physical quantities
Can interface to displays so that information and data can be clearly presented
Can be networked with other devices, allowing products to communicate with each other and connect to the internet
Can store information even when the power is switched off
Are small and relatively low cost and will run off of very small batteries
Require very minimal equipment to develop a full system
Can be reprogrammed
What is a program for a microcontroller?
A program for a microcontroller is a unique set of instructions written by the designer to tell the microcontroller what to do.
What is a system diagram?
A system diagram is a diagram that shows all of the input sensors and output devices connected to a microcontroller. It is essential when designing a microcontroller system.
A system diagram uses flowchart symbols, what are they in system diagrams?
Oval = Start/end
Arrow = Direction signal flows in
Parallelogram = Input/Output
Rectangle = Process
Diamond = Decision
Circle = Connector
What direction are system diagrams drawn in?
Left to right, top to bottom.
What are the two different signals and what is the difference between them?
> Digital signal is either on or off nothing in between
Analogue signal represents a physical quantity and so can have any value between 0 volts and the power supply voltage.
Why is it important to identify between the two signals?
It is important because different signals will need to go through different input/output pins (i/o pins) which is important for the program in the microcontroller to deal with the signals correctly
What is the driver?
The driver is a device used to convert the signal from the microcontroller into an electric current.
What is an IDE?
An IDE or integrated development environment is a software that allows you to develop a program for your microcontroller. As well as this it will probably contain other useful tools such as a simulator to test the program without uploading it to the microcontroller, a debugger to help find errors, a monitor to let you see the values of parameters in the microcontroller as well as a program language library.
Why is the program language library useful?
Different microcontrollers use different programming language to let designers choose the one they are most comfortable with.
What are the main technical differences between microcontrollers?
> Number of i/o pins
Which i/o are analogue and which are digital
Power supply voltage
Form factor (size, shape and aesthetics)
Range of sensors, outputs and other peripherals
What is a peripheral device?
A peripheral device is a device that connects to the microcontroller to complete the whole system.
What is a physical quantity?
A physical quantity is a a physical property that can be quantified with a measurement. Some examples are temperature, light, force, density, length and sound.
