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Microcontroller Unit (MCU)

maker

A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system.

expanded

Microcontroller units (MCUs) are used in automatic control systems like appliances, vehicles, and handheld electronics due to their ability to execute stored complex instructions. They integrate a central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM, ROM), and input/output peripherals on a single chip, enabling real-time operations in constrained environments.

examples

An example of an MCU is the Atmel AVR ATmega328P with a 16 MHz clock speed, 32 KB flash memory, 1 KB EEPROM, and 2 KB SRAM.

Commonly used in hobbyist projects, educational kits like the Arduino Uno, enabling prototypes and learning of digital electronics and programming.

The Texas Instruments MSP430 series of MCUs, which features a 16-bit CPU, 48 kB flash memory, and low power consumption, is another instance.

Used in battery-operated measurement applications, energy meters, and other low-power applications due to its efficient power management.

related terms

Integrated Circuit (IC)
An Integrated Circuit (IC) is a set of electronic circuits on a small flat piece (chip) of semiconductor material, usually silicon.
Arduino
An open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software.
Development Board
A development board is a printed circuit board containing a microcontroller or microprocessor with integrated peripherals and interfaces to facilitate prototyping and development of electronic projects.
Converter
A device that transforms electrical signals or power from one format to another.
ESP32/ESP8266
ESP32 and ESP8266 are low-cost, versatile microcontroller modules with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.