What is the Purpose of a Microcontroller in a Computer?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ineedhelpnow
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Microcontroller
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

A microcontroller is a compact microcomputer integrated on a single circuit, designed primarily to control various devices and processes. Its purpose is to enable digital control in applications where size and cost are critical, such as in automotive systems, medical devices, and consumer electronics. By integrating processing, memory, and input/output functions, microcontrollers facilitate efficient operation in embedded systems, allowing for functionalities like internet access, lighting control, and audio playback.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of microcomputers
  • Familiarity with embedded systems
  • Knowledge of digital control mechanisms
  • Awareness of mixed signal processing
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the architecture of popular microcontrollers like the Arduino Uno
  • Explore programming languages used for microcontroller development, such as C or Assembly
  • Learn about interfacing microcontrollers with sensors and actuators
  • Investigate applications of microcontrollers in IoT devices
USEFUL FOR

Students in engineering, hobbyists interested in electronics, and professionals working with embedded systems will benefit from this discussion on microcontrollers.

ineedhelpnow
Messages
649
Reaction score
0
can someone give like a brief one paragraph explanation of what a microcontroller is and what it does. i understand that its a microcomputer on a circuit but i don't understand its purpose. please keep it very simple. this is my first engineering class after a bio switch so ill get VERY confused if you guys make it complicating for me (Blush) THANKU!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
ineedhelpnow said:
can someone give like a brief one paragraph explanation of what a microcontroller is and what it does. i understand that its a microcomputer on a circuit but i don't understand its purpose. please keep it very simple. this is my first engineering class after a bio switch so ill get VERY confused if you guys make it complicating for me (Blush) THANKU!

Hi!

A microcontroller is a microcomputer on a circuit.
Its purpose is to control stuff where the controller has to be small and usually cheap.

From wiki:
Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toys and other embedded systems. By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes. Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating analog components needed to control non-digital electronic systems.


Hey! It says the same thing.
So I think you already knew. (Angel)
 
But what exactly does it do?
 
ineedhelpnow said:
But what exactly does it do?

The same things as a normal computer does and more: access the internet, switch lights on or off, play radio signals as music, determine the rhythm to keep a heart going, and so on.
 
dude stop it! i really need to know this for my computer engineering lab tomorrow.
 
ineedhelpnow said:
dude stop it! i really need to know this for my computer engineering lab tomorrow.
Why do you want him to stop?? All he's done is given you an answer to your question. It's up to you to write the paragraph, not him. Are you trying to find out how it does that?

-Dan
 
what is the PURPOSE of the chip in the computer? what does it do that benefits the computer?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
8K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 204 ·
7
Replies
204
Views
12K
Replies
7
Views
15K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
5K