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Gnther Gridling
Bettina Weiss
Grundlagen Microcontroller
Introduction
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Lecture Overview

Introduction

What is a microcontroller?

difference between microcontroller and microprocessor

reasons for existence of microcontrollers

fields of application

microcontroller types

frequently used terms

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A Simple Control Task: Heating

periodically read temperature (4 bit digital value)

turn on/off heating according to temp. (1 control line)

current temperature is displayed (display 8+3 bits)

user can adjust temp. thresholds with buttons (4 btns)

serial interface to download temp. data for last 24 h (2 bit)

-> 20 digital I/O lines, timer, serial interface

What is a Microcontroller?
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Components we need:

CPU (Z80)

2x PIO (2x 16 = 32 digital I/O lines)

SIO (serial I/O)

CTC (timer)

memory (SRAM, Flash, EEPROM)

requires 8 chips (+ their connections) on PCB

Heat Control With Z80
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PCB: euro format 10x16 cm
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(Autorouter 81% finished)
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If we do this with a microcontroller:

require

CPU

at least 20 digital I/O lines

serial interface

timer

memory (SRAM, Flash, EEPROM)

Heat Control With ATmega16
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Components we need: 1 microcontroller

All components are integrated into one single chip!

What is a Microcontroller?
PCB: less than quarter euro format 5x8 cm
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size reduction of more than factor 4!
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microcontroller integrates several components:

CPU

memory

digital I/O lines

analog I/O lines

interrupt controller

counter/timer

serial interface(s)
What is a Microcontroller?
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smaller board area

faster development

easier debugging and upgradability

low cost

low power consumption

high reliability
Why Microcontrollers?
microcontrollers save time & money!
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telecommunication

automotive industry

aerospace industry

household appliances, home automation

factory automation

...
Fields of Application
mostly high quantities (90 in car) -> huge market!
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Many different controllers from many

different vendors
(e.g. PIC, ATmega16, HC11, 8051)

controller family:

same CPU

different peripherals (number of I/Os, timers, ...)

e.g.: Atmel AVR ATmega family

Types of Microcontrollers
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controllers are (4), 8, 16, 32 bit

we concentrate on small 8-bit controllers

no MMU (memory management unit)

no DMA (direct memory access)

no Cache

clocking frequency about 1 - 25 MHz

Types of Microcontrollers
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Microprocessor: a CPU (e.g. in a PC)

Microcontroller: single chip computer,

contains I/O lines to directly monitor and
control environment

Digital Signal Processor: designed for signal

processing (fast multiplications), often
hybrid
Some Technical Terms
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Embedded System: the microcontroller is

part of the system, has a dedicated function
(microwave, mobile phone, ...)

Real-Time System: a system which has to

react to events within a given time frame; if
the reaction comes too late, the results may
be disastrous
(break-by-wire in car)
Some Technical Terms
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Microcontroller: CPU + peripherals on one

chip

Microcontroller can be used stand-alone

Motivation for Microcontrollers: time &

money

Microcontroller families

Important terms
Lecture Summary