Microcontrollers (MCUs), or single – chip microcomputers, integrate a CPU, memory, I/O interfaces, timers/counters, etc., on one chip. They have full – fledged computing capabilities for embedded systems.
MCUs are great at control. They can do real – time control, like adjusting home appliances based on sensor data in smart homes. Sequential control is another forte, ensuring processes like a washing machine’s cycle run smoothly.
For data handling, MCUs perform basic arithmetic and logical operations. They also manage data storage in their built – in memory, useful for applications like smart meters recording usage data.
Communication is a key function. Serial, SPI, and I²C protocols enable MCUs to talk to other devices, be it sending IoT data via serial ports or accessing sensors with I²C.
Finally, their timer and counter functions are handy. Timers are for tasks like keeping time in a clock, while counters can count events, such as product numbers on a production line.