INTERNAL ARCHITECTURE & LOGIC

From the internal ALU Core or the ‘brain’ to a simple ground terminal (pin), there are a vast
number of internal parts and logics associated with a Microcontroller.

Some of the most important ones are defined below:

 Processor Core

The CPU is the main component of the controller. It contains the arithmetic logic unit and the
registers, stack pointer, program counter, accumulator register, register file, etc.

 Memory

Department of Electronics – D. B. College, Keezhoor

A microcontroller has two types of memory: program memory and data memory. The
program memory, also known as flash memory, holds the code that the microcontroller
executes. Data memory, also known as RAM, holds variables and data that the
microcontroller uses during operation.

DMA controller handles data transfers between peripherals components and the memory.

 Interrupt Controller

By setting the relevant bits in the interrupt controller registers, an interrupt controller offers a
programmable governing policy that enables software to choose which peripheral or device
can interrupt the processor at any given time.

 Timers / Counters

Most controllers have at least one and more Timers / Counters. A timer is a type of clock that
is used to measure time intervals. A counter is a device that records the number of times a
specific event or process occurred about a clock signal.

 Digital Input / Output

This is one of the main features of the microcontroller. A digital I/O board is an interface
board that allows a computer to input and output digital signals in parallel. I/O pins vary
from 3-4 to over 90.

 Analog Input / Output

Most Of Microcontrollers Have Integrated Analog / Digital Converters.

 Interfaces

The serial interface can be used to download the program and for general communication
with the development PC. Serial interfaces can also communicate with external peripheral
devices. Most controllers include a variety of interfaces such as SPI, SCI, PCI, USB, and
Ethernet.

 Debugging Unit

The process of debugging involves finding and fixing current and potential flaws commonly
known as “bugs” in software code that may cause it to act erratically or crash. Some
controllers include additional hardware that enables remote debugging of the chip from a PC.

 Power Management Unit

Microcontrollers require a stable and consistent power supply to operate correctly. Power
management components, such as voltage regulators, are included on the chip to ensure that
the microcontroller receives the correct voltage and current.

 Clock / Timing & Control Unit

Department of Electronics – D. B. College, Keezhoor

The clock of a microcontroller is used to provide a timing signal to synchronize the
operations of the device. The clock frequency determines the speed at which the
microcontroller executes instructions and performs calculations.

TYPES OF MICROCONTROLLERS

Here are some of the most common types of microcontrollers:

 8-bit Microcontrollers: These are the most basic type of microcontrollers, typically
used in simple applications such as toys, small appliances, and remote controls. They
have a limited processing power and memory capacity, but they are easy to use and
cost-effective.

 16-bit Microcontrollers: These are more advanced than 8-bit microcontrollers and
are capable of performing more complex tasks. They are commonly used in
applications such as medical devices, automotive systems, and industrial control
systems.

 32-bit Microcontrollers: These are the most powerful and feature-rich

microcontrollers, capable of handling large amounts of data and performing high-
speed processing. They are used in applications such as gaming systems, multimedia
devices, and high-end industrial automation.

 ARM Microcontrollers: These microcontrollers are based on the ARM architecture

and are widely used in a variety of applications, including mobile devices, automotive
systems, and industrial control systems.

 PIC Microcontrollers: These microcontrollers are manufactured by Microchip

Technology and are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including home
appliances, automotive systems, and medical devices.

 AVR Microcontrollers: These microcontrollers are manufactured by Atmel

Corporation and are commonly used in applications such as robotics, industrial
control systems, and consumer electronics.

 FPGA-based Microcontrollers: These microcontrollers use field-programmable gate

arrays (FPGAs) to provide highly customizable and flexible processing capabilities.
They are commonly used in applications such as digital signal processing, video
processing, and high-speed networking.

Department of Electronics – D. B. College, Keezhoor