What is the Purpose of a Microcontroller in a Computer?

[ineedhelpnow]

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!

 

[I like Serena]

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)

 

[ineedhelpnow]

But what exactly does it do?

 

[I like Serena]

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.

 

[ineedhelpnow]

dude stop it! i really need to know this for my computer engineering lab tomorrow.

 

[topsquark]

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

 

[ineedhelpnow]

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