What is a Microcontroller?

A microcontroller is basically cheap and small computer on a single chip that comprises a processor, a small memory, and
programmable input-output peripherals. Microcontrollers are used in embedded systems, basically a variety of products and devices that are
combination of hardware and software, and developed to perform particular functions. A microcontroller is a (stripped-down) processor which is
equipped with memory, timers, (parallel) I/O pins and other on-chip peripherals. The driving element behind all this is cost: Integrating all
elements on one chip saves space and leads to both lower manufacturing costs and shorter development times.

Microcontrollers are sort of compact mini computers which are designed to perform specific tasks in embedded systems. With a wide
range of features, their importance and use are vast and they can be found in products and devices across all industries.

A microcontroller is a single chip microcomputer made through VLSI fabrication. A microcontroller also called an embedded
controller because the microcontroller and its support circuits are often built into, or embedded in, the devices they control.

A microcontroller already contains all components which allow it to operate standalone, and it has been designed in particular for
monitoring and/or control tasks. In consequence, in addition to the processor it includes memory, various interface controllers, one or more
timers, an interrupt controller, and last but definitely not least general purpose I/O pins which allow it to directly interface to its environment.

Microcontroller Structure

 Processor Core

Processor Core or CPU is the brain of a microcontroller. Its two main components are the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), which
performs arithmetic and logical operations, and the Control Unit (CU), which handles all of the processor’s instruction executions.

 EEPROM

EEPROM is like Flash Memory, being a non-volatile memory and retaining its data even after shutdown. The difference is that, while
Flash Memory re-writes a “block” of bytes, EEPROM can re-write any specific byte at any time.

 Flash Memory

This keeps the saved program that you might have uploaded to the microcontroller. Flash Memory writes to a “block” or “sector” at a
time, so if you need to just re-write one byte, Flash Memory will need to re-write the whole block that the byte is in, which can wear
out quicker.
  Interfaces

With microcontroller boards, it connects ICs with signal traces on a printed circuit board (PCB). For ICs, they use serial bus to transfer
data to reduce the number of pins in a package making them more cost effective. Since serial interfaces can also be used to
communicate with external peripheral devices, most controllers offer several and varied interfaces like SPI and SCI.

 Timers/Counters

The timers and counters provide all timing and counting functions inside the microcontroller. A counter converts the number of input
cycles to a binary value using an array of triggers. A counter's clock signal can come from the clock signal of the microcontroller, and
in this case it is possible to decrease its value using a pre-scale. Some AVRs have an internal independent clock signal generator,
which can be modified to run faster using a frequency multiplier.

 Interrupt Control

The interrupt control is used for providing interrupt (delay) for a working program. The interrupt may be external (activated by using
interrupt pin) or internal (by using interrupt instruction during programming).

 I/O Ports

Inputs receive changes in the real-world, from temperature sensing, to motion sensing, to push buttons, and much more. The input
then goes to the CPU and decides what to do with that information. When it’s time to do a certain command based on a certain value
from the input, it sends a signal to the output ports, where it can range from a simple LED light going off, to running a motor for a
certain part, to many more.

 Debugging Unit

Some controllers are equipped with extra hardware to permit remote debugging of the chip from the computer. thus there's no got
to transfer special debugging computer code, which has the distinct advantage that inaccurate application code
cannot write the computer program.

COMPARISON BETWEEN MICROPROCESSOR AND MICROCONTROLLER

  ARCHITECTURE

In a microprocessor, variety of peripherals are placed on a board and connected via buses, however, within the microcontrollers, these
peripherals are combined in a single IC.

 SPEED OF CPU

Microcontrollers generally run their programs out of Flash memory (from less than a KB on an 8-bit µC to a couple of MBs for a 32-
bit one), and have RAM starting at a few bytes for an 8-bitter up to 640 KB or so for a 32-bit µC. Both the Flash memory and RAM
are located in the same chip as the CPU. 8-bit µCs may run at only 4 to 20 MHz; the 32-bit ones anywhere from 100 to 300 MHz, less
than 1/10 the speed of the faster microprocessors.

 DESIGN

Microcontrollers have embedded RAM, ROM, and EEPROM while microprocessors have to use external circuits. Microcontrollers
are on a compact single chip while microprocessors are much bulky, that is why microcontrollers are much more cost-efficient and
effective.

 PROTECTION

Microcontroller is more secured than a microprocessor. Because, once the microcontroller is dumped with a
program it's terribly tough to retrieve the program from the read-only memory by different users. Whereas in microprocessor and it
doesn’t offer abundant protection to its program.

 COST

Microcontrollers are much cheaper than microprocessors.

REFERENCES:

Gunther G., Bettina W. (2007). Introduction to Microcontrollers. Vienna, Austria: Vienna University if Technology

Apoorve (2015, June 02). What is the difference between microprocessor and microcontroller?. Retrieved from:
https://circuitdigest.com/article/what-is-the-difference-between-microprocessor-and-microcontroller

Tektron Genesis (2018, March 05). Know About Difference Between Microcontroller and Microprocessor. Retrieved from:
https://medium.com/@tektrong/know-about-difference-between-microcontroller-and-microprocessor-be6d4540c1a9