PIC Microcontroller Projects in C, 2nd Edition

Chapter 1

Microcomputer Systems

Abstract

This chapter is an introduction to microcontrollers. The basic features of the microcontrollers are described briefly with some typical application areas of microcontrollers.

Keywords

Microcontrollers; microprocessors; microcontroller features; microcontroller applications

Chapter Outline

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Microcontroller Systems 1

1.3 Summary 6

1.4 Exercises 6

1.1. Introduction

The term microcomputer is used to describe a system that includes a minimum of a microprocessor, program memory, data memory, and input–output (I/O) module. Some microcomputer systems include additional components such as timers, counters, interrupt processing modules, analog-to-digital converters, serial communication modules, USB modules, ...