Microcontroller

Back to Physical and Embedded Computer

What kinds of computer?

Mainframe computer

(image source : http://www-1.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/mainframe/mainframe_coi160.html)

Desktop computer

(image source : http://www.apple.com/)

Portable computer

(image source : http://www.apple.com/)

PDA

(image source : http://www.zaurus.com/ and http://www.apple.com)

The above are what we called general purpose computer. What is microcontroller anyway?

You may come up with the following characteristics,

• Invisible
• Embedded in other devices
• Dedicated to some particular tasks
• Low-power devices
• Dedicated input devices other than keyboard and mouse
• Dedicated output devices other than display screen
• Small and low cost?
• Ruggedized in packaging

For example,

• Microwave oven
• Car engine
• Passenger lift
• Washing machine
• Mobile phone

Some common microcontrollers in educational and creative applications

Basic Stamp and Javelin Stamp

Handy Board

BX24

Rabbit

SitePlayer

An embedded Internet server board

Industrial grade products (note the differences in connection and packaging)

(image source : http://www.parallax.com/)