Lecture 1 - Introduction to Microcontroller

Lecture 1 - Introduction to Microcontroller

1. Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller

   • Applications
     • Microprocessor used in PCs
     • Microcontroller used in embedded systems
   • Structures
     • Microprocessor only has a CPU
     • Microcontroller has: Microprocessor Core; Memory; Peripherals
   • Cost
     • Microprocessor is complicated and expensive
       • Also has a large number of instructions to process
     • Microcontroller is inexpensive
       • Fewer instructions to process
   • Data/Address Buses
     • Microprocessor uses an external bus to interface to RAM, ROM, and other peripherals
     • Microcontroller uses an internal controlling bus

2. Computer Essentials

   • CPU
     • ALU, Control Unit, Registers
   • Memory
     • Data Memory + Program Memory
   • Volatile Memory
     • RAM
       • Random Access Memory
     • Temporary Data
   • Non-Volatile Memory
     • ROM
       • Read Only Memory
       • For Setups
   • I/O

3. Microcontroller Essentials

   • Microprocessor Core
     • CPU, Control Circuitry
   • Memory
     • Data Memory, Program Memory
   • Peripherals
     • Digital I/O, Analog I/O, Serial Ports, Timers, Counters, Subsystems, etc...

4. LPC1768 Microcontroller

   • Core: ARM Cortex-M3 Code (32-Bit)
   • Simple Block Diagram of Core on Slide

5. The ARM mbed

   • The mbed LPC1768
   • Based on the NXP LPC1768 Microntroller
     • With additional online compiler and software library

6. The mbed LPC1768 vs Arduino

   • mbed LPC1768
     • 26 Digital Input/Output Pins (6 PWM, 6 Analog Inputs, 1 Analog Output)
     • 12-bit ADC
     • 10-bit DAC
   • Arduino
     • 14 Digital I/O pins (6 PWM Outputs)
     • 6 Analog Inputs
     • 10-bit ADC