Introduction to microcontrollers. I

While microprocessor designers focus on larger word width and address space, a microcontroller designer focuses on integrating peripherals needed to support fast control within an embedded environment. Simply stated, a microcontroller is a single integrated circuit that at least contains the necessary elements of a complete computer system: CPU, memory, a clock oscillator, and input and output. Microcontrollers commonly contain additional peripheral modules, such as serial and timer units. An example of a simple microcontroller is given and a full introduction to CPU architecture and programming is presented.