Tag: Microcontrollers
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PIC16F84 Microcontroller Features
PIC16F84 belongs to a class of 8-bit microcontrollers of RISC architecture (i.e. microcontrollers with Reduced Instruction Set Computer). This is a low cost Microchip microcontroller with EEPROM flash memory for program and data storage. It has no built-in Analog to Digital converter (A/D) and Digital to Analog converter (D/A) or serial communication capability. Other PIC…
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Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller
A microprocessor by itself is not a computer. To be functional, the microprocessor must be connected to other ICs that provide the memory and I/O capability. A microcontroller is a computer on a single IC, designed specifically for control applications. It consists of a microprocessor, memory (RAM and ROM), I/O ports and can have additional…
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Basic Structure of a Microcontroller
A microcontroller is essentially a computer on a chip. It contains a processing unit, ROM, RAM, Serial communication ports, ADCs, etc. In other words, a microcontroller is a computer but without the monitor, keyboard and mouse. They are called microcontrollers because they are small (micro) and because they control machines, gadgets, etc. With a microcontroller…
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Microprocessors in Mechatronics Systems
To make a change in functionality of a digital circuit, the hardware circuitry must be modified and this may require a redesign. For simple design tasks, this might work however in many mechatronic systems; the control tasks may involve complex relationships among many inputs and outputs which makes hardware solution impractical. A more practical, and…