What is MICROCONTROLLER?

Microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit (IC). It integrates number of components of a microprocessor system onto a single chip By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes. Microcontrollers are designed for small or dedicated applications.

Applications
Home Appliances, intercom, telephones, security systems, answering machines, fax machines, home computers, TVs, cable TV tuner, VCR, remote controls, video games, cellular phones, musical instruments, sewing machines, lighting control, camera, toys, exercise equipment Office Telephones, computers, security systems, fax machines, microwave, copier, laser printer, color printer, paging Auto Trip computer, engine control, air bag, ABS, instrumentation, security system, transmission control, keyless entry

Microprocessors vs Microcontrollers
General-purpose microprocessors contains No RAM No ROM No I/O ports Must add RAM, ROM, I/O ports, and timers externally to make them functional Make the system bulkier and much more expensive Have the advantage of versatility on the amount of RAM, ROM, and I/O ports

Microcontroller has CPU (microprocessor) RAM ROM I/O ports Timer ADC and other peripherals The fixed amount of on-chip ROM, RAM, and number of I/O ports makes them ideal for many applications in which cost and space are critical. In many applications, the space it takes, the power it consumes, and the price per unit are much more critical considerations than the computing power.

Difference in Architecture

Architecture of C

8051
Architecture of 8051

Pin Configuration

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Port 1. The bi-directional pins on this port may be used for input and output: each pin may be individually controlled and some may be used for input while others on the same port are used for output. 9 The Reset pin. When this pin is held at Logic 0, the chip will run normally. If, while the oscillator is running, this pin is held at Logic 1 for two (or more) machine cycles, the microcontroller will be reset.

1017 Port 3. Another bi-directional input port (same operation as Port1). Pin 10 and Pin 11 are used to receive and transmit (respectively) serial data using the RS- 232 protocol. Pin 12 and Pin 13 are used to process interrupt inputs. Pin 14 and Pin 15 have alternative functions associated with Timer 0 and Timer 1 Pin 16 and Pin 17 are used when working with external memory

1819 These pins are used to connect an external ceramic resonator or oscillator module to the microcontroller.

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Vss. This is the ground pin.

2128 Port 2. Another bi-directional input port (same operation as Port 1). These pins are also used when working with external memory

29 30

Program Store Enable (PSEN) is used to control access to external CODE memory (if used).

Address Latch Enable (ALE) is used when working with external memory. This pin is also used (on some devices) as the program pulse input (PROG) during Flash programming. 31 External Access (EA). To execute code from internal memory (e.g. on-chip Flash, where available) This pin must be connected to Vcc. To execute code from external memory, this pin must be connected to ground. Forgetting to connect this pin to Vcc is a common error when people first begin working with the 8051. 3239 Port 0. Another bi-directional input port (same operation as Port 1). Note that unlike Port 1, Port 2 and Port 3 this port does NOT have internal pull-up resistors. These pins are also used when working with external memory 40 Vcc. This is the 5V pin (on 5V devices; 3V on 3V devices, etc).