1.3 Parts of a Microcontroller
Before explaining microcontroller architectures and programming, it is worthwhile to look at the parts of a microcontroller in more detail and understand some basic terms.
1.3.1 Address
Address is a binary pattern that is used to represent memory locations. An address bus is a collection of address lines in a processor. For example, most 8-bit microcontrollers have a 16-bit address bus, capable of addressing up to 65 536 different memory locations (0 to 65 535).
1.3.2 ALU
An arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) is part of a computer where the actual mathematical and logical operations are performed. 8-bit microcontrollers have 8-bit ALU modules. Typical operations carried out by an ALU are addition, subtraction, division, logical ANDing, ORing, Exclusive-OR and comparison. Some ALUs can also perform signed or unsigned multiplication.
1.3.3 Analogue Comparator
Some microcontrollers have built-in analogue comparator modules. An analogue comparator module is used to compare the voltage levels of two analogue signals. Although this feature is implemented in most mid-range PIC microcontrollers, it is not an important functionality.
1.3.4 Analogue-to-Digital Converter
Analogue-to-digital converter (A/D converter) is used to convert an analogue input signal into digital form, so that the signal can be processed within the microcontroller. Most mid-range PIC microcontrollers have built-in A/D converter modules. In general purpose and low-speed applications, the ...
Get Using LEDs, LCDs and GLCDs in Microcontroller Projects now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.