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Home > Embedded Events > Learn about Microcontroller Unit (MCU) in 1 minute

Learn about Microcontroller Unit (MCU) in 1 minute

Date: 18-11-2020 ClickCount: 1382

MCU is the abbreviation of Micro Control Unit, also known as single chip microcomputer (Single Chip Microcomputer) or single chip microcomputer. It means that with the emergence and development of large-scale integrated circuits, the computer’s CPU, RAM, ROM, timer counter and various The I/O interface is integrated on a chip to form a chip-level computer to control common storage devices in different combinations for different applications.

The history of the appearance of single-chip microcomputers is not long, but the development is very rapid. Its production and development and the production and development of microprocessors are roughly synchronized. Since Intel Corporation first introduced 4-bit microprocessors in 1971, its development can be roughly divided into five stages so far. The following is the introduction of Intel's microcontroller development as a representative.

1971-1976

The initial stage of microcontroller development. In November 1971, Intel first designed the 4-bit microprocessor Intel 4004 with an integration of 2000 transistors/chip, and was equipped with RAM, ROM and shift registers to form the first MCS-4 microprocessor. It also introduced the 8-bit microprocessor Intel 8008, and other 8-bit microprocessors successively launched by various companies.

1976-1980

Low-performance microcontroller stage. Represented by the MCS-48 series launched by Intel in 1976, it adopts a monolithic structure that integrates 8-bit CPU, 8-bit parallel I/O interface, 8-bit timer/counter, RAM and ROM on a semiconductor chip. Its addressing range is limited (not greater than 4 KB), there is no serial I/O, RAM, ROM capacity is small, the interrupt system is relatively simple, but the function can meet the needs of general industrial control and intelligent instruments, meters, etc.

1980-1983

High-performance microcontroller stage. The high-performance 8-bit microcontrollers introduced at this stage generally have serial ports, a multi-level interrupt processing system, and multiple 16-bit timers/counters. The capacity of RAM and ROM on the chip is increased, and the addressing range can reach 64 KB, and there is an A/D conversion interface on some chips.

1983-late 80s

16-bit microcontroller stage. In 1983, Intel introduced the high-performance 16-bit microcontroller MCS-96 series. Due to its use of the latest manufacturing technology, the chip integration level was as high as 120,000 transistors/chip.

1990s

Single-chip microcomputers are developing to a higher level in all aspects such as integration, function, speed, reliability, and application fields.

mcu

According to the characteristics of the single-chip microcomputer, the applications of the single-chip microcomputer are divided into single-computer applications and multi-computer applications. In an application system, using only a single chip is called a stand-alone application. The range of single-chip applications for single-chip microcomputers include:

(1) Measurement and control system. The single-chip microcomputer can form a variety of less complex industrial control systems, adaptive control systems, data acquisition systems, etc., to achieve the purpose of measurement and control.

(2) Smart meters. Use single-chip microcomputer to transform the original measurement and control instruments, and promote the development of instruments in the direction of digitization, intelligence, multi-function, integration and flexibility.

(3) Mechatronics products. The combination of single-chip microcomputer and traditional mechanical products simplifies the structure of traditional mechanical products and makes the control intelligent.

(4) Intelligent interface. In computer control systems, especially in larger industrial measurement and control systems, the use of a single-chip microcomputer for interface control and management, coupled with the parallel work of the single-chip microcomputer and the host, greatly improves the operating speed of the system.

(5) Smart civilian products. For example, in many products such as household appliances, toys, game consoles, office equipment, and kitchen equipment, the introduction of single-chip controllers not only greatly enhances the functions and performance of the products, but also obtains good results.

Classification of MCU

MCU can be divided into MASK (mask) ROM, OTP (one time programmable) ROM, FLASHROM and other types according to its memory type. The MCU of MASKROM is cheap, but the program has been solidified before leaving the factory, so it is suitable for applications where the program is fixed; FALSHROM's MCU program can be repeatedly erased and written, and has strong flexibility, but the price is high, suitable for applications that are not sensitive to prices Or for development purposes; the price of OTPROM's MCU is between the first two, and at the same time it has one-time programmability. It is suitable for applications that require a certain degree of flexibility but also require low cost, especially when the function is constantly being refurbished and needs rapid quantity. Produced electronic products.

Multipoint Processing Unit (MCU)

MCU is the core part of the video conference system, providing users with connection services for group meetings and multi-group meetings. At present, the MCUs of mainstream manufacturers can generally provide access services for up to 32 users in a single machine, and can be cascaded to basically meet the user's requirements. The use and management of MCU should not be too complicated, and should be operated by ordinary employees of the customer's technical department and even the administration department.

The future of MCU

As the core of intelligent control, MCU microcontrollers are widely used in consumer electronics, automotive electronics, computers and networks, industrial control and other fields. With the gradual landing of the Internet of Things and the development of automotive electronics, the market demand for MCU microcontrollers can expect long-term growth. . According to IC Insights, the global MCU market size in 2020 will be close to US$20 billion.

The above is all about the MCU. For more embedded MCU product information, please refer to Embedded-MCU

 

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