ECET 209

Introduction to Microcontrollers
Microcontroller Overview

ECET 209 Introduction to

Microcontrollers
 What is a Microcontroller?

A microcontroller is a complete computer

system optimized for hardware control that
encapsulates the entire processor, memory,
and all of the I/O peripherals on a single
piece of silicon (text book definition).
 What is a Microcontroller?

Complete Computer System

Processor
Memory
I/O peripherals
Single piece of Silicon
 Computer System

System of hardware that performs

arithmetic operations, manipulates data, and
makes decisions.
 Processor

Processor carries out the intelligence or

decision-making
Consist of an ALU, T/C and Registers
Takes instructions from memory and
interprets them
 Memory
Memory stores the instructions and data
received through the input and provides
information to the outputs
ROM Read only Memory is used to store
permanent information (used to store
program)
RAM Random Access Memory is used to
store information that is required for
operation or information generated by the
program
Memory is traditionally limited
 I/O Peripherals

A Microcomputer can input and output data

to devices connected to the computer
system
Control devices
Data can be exchanged through Parallel or
Serial connections
 Single Piece of Silicon

Microcomputers are a result of evolution of

processors and manufacturing techniques
which produce smaller (and smaller)
devices
 History 101

Intel introduced the first microprocessor,

4-bit 4004 in 1971
Intel introduced the first 8-bit
microprocessor , 8080, in 1972
Motorola introduced the 6800 8-bit
microprocessor in 1975
The RACE was ON!!
 History 102

1978 Intel introduced the industry

standard 16-bit microprocessor, 8086

1980 Intel introduced the Advance 8-bit

embedded controller, 8051
 History 201

4-bit microprocessors were quickly pushed

to their limits
8-bit microprocessors brought additional
resources (and cost)
Additional components, increased PCB cost
Eventually, the 8051 family became one of
the most widely used controllers
 Processor vs. Controller

Processor designed to crunch numbers

Controller new breed of processor
optimized for control tasks

Processors generally move data in groups of

say 8-bits while controllers are designed to
manipulate single bits of data
 Microprocessor Size

Micros are generally classified by the size

of the data bus.
The larger the bus, the more computing
power (general rule)
 Processor Instructions

Microprocessors can perform logic

functions, arithmetic operations, memory
read & write instructions, and I/O
operations.
The instruction set can vary from a few
instructions (RISC) to several hundred
 Microprocessor Performance

The performance of microprocessors are

generally judged by the number of cycles
per instruction and the speed at which these
are executed.
The clock speed (set by the crystal) allows
the performance to be adjusted
 Where are Microcontrollers
Used?

Automobiles
Air Craft
Household Appliances
And on and on

If it has intelligence, then it may have an

embedded microcontroller!!
Examples
Technology out of control ?

Most new cars have a couple of

dozen microprocessors on board,
however Audi seems to have carried
the concept to an extreme.
The new Audi A8 L, the latest in
the top-this-if-you-can class of
megacars that are moving platforms
for convergence technology, with
90-plus on-board microprocessors.
Audi's breakthrough is a
joysticklike control knob dubbed
the MMI (Multi Media Interface),
which simplifies the driver's life
and removes clutter from the
cockpit.
 Today

Wide peripheral set

Price versus performance
Reduced overall development cost
Reduced time-to-market
Lower voltages and current consumption
More memory!!
 Today

Wide peripheral set

Price versus performance
Reduced overall development cost
Reduced time-to-market
Lower voltages and current consumption
More memory!!
 Development

Use of High-Level Languages

In-circuit programmability through on board

Flash Memory
 Ultimate Goal(s)

**Prepare you for 396 / 496 & 497

Prepare you for life after Purdue

Fuel your love of micros so that you take all

the digital & micro courses we offer
 Class Syllabus

Instructors (Lab & Lecture)

Course Description & Objectives
Texts & Web Sites
Development Board
Cheating Policy
Attendance
Grading Policy
 Syllabus (continued)

Reading Assignments
Homework Assignments
 Syllabus (continued)

Lab Information
Career Account
Pre-Lab
In-Lab
Post-Lab
Formal Lab Reports
Lab Safety Rules
Dont Forget your Atmel Board!!
 Syllabus (continued)

Personal Conduct
Schedule
 Aspects of this Course

Hardware vs. Software

Structured Approach to Problem Solving

Perhaps one of the Most Difficult Courses

(not because I want it to be)
Above mentioned Aspects
Have to Think and Solve Problems
Simple Fact, Youre Sophomores!!!
 No Experience Required

The C Programming Language will be used

as a Tool to Implement a Solution
Concentrate on Solving a Problem
C is that Tool
C for Embedded Microcontrollers is Different
Read the Assignments and Follow Me
Why C ?
Distinct Advantages
Some Disadvantages as well
 Nature of a Microcontroller

3 Basic Blocks to a Microcontroller

CPU
Memory
I/O
 CPU

Carries out the Instructions

Provides Intelligence (Decision Making)

3 Major Elements
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
T/C (Timing and Control)
Register Section
 Memory

Stores the Program (Flash)

Instructions that tell the CPU what to do

Storage for Information (RAM)

Holds information
Making decisions
Acquired Data, etc.
 Input / Output

Various methods to move data into and out

of the Microcontroller
Allows the micro to see the World and to
modify or change the World

Devices include lights, switches, relays,

motors, displays, sensors, and on and on
 Basic Overview

Memory CPU I/O

In Reality
CPU
Memory
I/O
 Rest of the Week

Wednesday
Talk about I/O
Talk about serial communications
Talk about number conversions and bases

Friday
Lab 2 Prep
Might just take a Quiz!!
 Lab #1

Lab Orientation
Write a simple C program
Program the Microcontroller
Build I/O Cables (parts kit)
 Homework #1

Straight from reading assignment