History of MCU

MCU is an integrated circuit core that can form a small but complete computer system. Since it can individually perform the intelligent control functions required by modern industrial control, it can accurately, quickly and efficiently complete the instruction tasks of programmers under the control of software. It has been used in different applications to play different combinations of control, and MCU can be seen everywhere in life.

Although MCU is widely used today, the history of MCU is not very long. Since 1971, when Intel first introduced the 4-bit microprocessor, its development can be roughly divided into 5 stages. The following is an example of the development of Intel's MCU.

1. Primary stage

In November 1971, Intel first designed the Intel 4004, a 4-bit microprocessor with 2000 transistors/chip, equipped with RAM, ROM, and shift registers, which constituted the first MCS-4 microprocessor and then launched the 8-bit microprocessor Intel 8008. 8008, and other companies have launched 8-bit microprocessors.

2.The second is the low-performance MCU stage

1976 ~ 1980 low-performance MCU stage. In 1976, Intel launched the MCS-48 series as the representative, using the 8-bit CPU, 8-bit parallel I/O interface, 8-bit timer/counter, RAM and ROM, etc., integrated with a single semiconductor chip structure. However, its addressing range is limited (not more than 4 KB), there is no serial I/O, RAM, and ROM capacity is small, but the interrupt system is also simple. Interrupt system is also relatively simple, but the function can meet the needs of general industrial control and intelligent instruments, meters, etc...

3.The third high-performance MCU stage

1980 ~ 1983 high-performance MCU stage. This stage of the introduction of a high-performance 8-bit MCU with serial ports, a multi-level interrupt processing system, and multiple 16-bit timers/counters. The capacity of on-chip RAM and ROM was increased, the addressing range was up to 64 KB, and individual on-chip A/D conversion interfaces were also available.

4.16-bit MCU stage

In 1983, Intel introduced the high-performance 16-bit MCUMCS-96 series, which used the latest manufacturing process to integrate up to 120,000 transistors per chip.

5. 32-bit MCU Stage

In 1990, Intel launched the 80960 Super 32-bit computer, which caused a sensation in the computer industry and became another important milestone in the history of MCU development. Since then, MCU has developed to a higher level in terms of integration, functions, speed, reliability and application fields in all aspects.

Development to the mid-1990s, Intel is busy developing microprocessors for personal computers. There is not enough energy to develop their creation of microcontroller technology, and Philips and other companies continue to develop the c51 series of microcontrollers.

Until today, more companies have joined the team of developing and producing microcontrollers, such as Jinyu Semiconductor, and we are still enjoying the convenience that a single chip brings to our life. Still, in the history of the development of microcontrollers, we should not forget Intel's contribution to the creation and development of microcontrollers.