MICROCONTROLLERS

COMPUTING

Classification of computers, July 7, 2021

A computer is an electric machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. The 4 main basic functions of a computer are: Input, Storage, Processing and Output.

Computers can be classified on many different basis. The classification based on the purpose of the computer is as follows:

• General Purpose - These are designed to be capable of carrying out multiple everyday tasks (eg word processing, video playback, and web browsing). They are designed with versitility in mind. Examples of General-purpose computers: Desktops, laptops, and phones.
• Special Purpose - These are designed to perform a particular or specialized task. The size, storage capacity, and cost of such computers mainly depend on the nature and size of the work. Examples of Special-purpose computers: ATM, Traffic control systems and washing machines.

Embedded Systems are a type of special-purpose computer that have the computer system controlling another system. For example in a washing machine, a computer system is required to control the motor of the machine and to control the timings.

Independent of the function, all computers will have the following major components:

• Microprocessor - The brain of the computer system where all the data processing takes place.
• Input and Output Devices - So as to get data from the user or controlled system and return information to the user or contolling signals.
• Storage/Memory - For intermediate and permanent storage of data/information
• Bus system - For connecting all the components to the heart of the system (microprocessor).

MICROPROCESSOR

What is a microprocessor, July 7, 2021

A microprocessor or MPU or CPU(Central Processing Uint) is the brain of the computer. It is NOT a standalone component, in that it cannot function on its own. For it to fulfill its function, it needs to be connected to memory(RAM & ROM), and the I/O devices.

Microprocessors generally have three basic parts:

• Control Unit - responsible for controlling and coordinating all the components of the computer
• Registers and Cache - Small size of very fast memory required for temporary storage of data for operations to be carried out
• ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit) - Responsible for the actual arithmetic and logical operations (such as addition, multiplication and comparisons) to be carried out on datan

The two major types of microprocessors include:

• CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) - designed to complete a task in as few lines of assembly as possible by having instructions that execute multiple operations (eg x86 processors)
• RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) - designed to use simple instructions that can be executed within one clock cycle (eg ARM processors)

The top five consumer microprocessor producers globally include:

• Intel - known for their "core i_" lineup
• AMD - known most recently for their "Ryzen" lineup
• Qualcomm - known for their "Snapdragon" lineup
• Apple - known for their "A_" iPhone chip lineup
• Samsung - known for their "Exynos" lineup

The top five consumer microprocessors in Kenya include:

• Intel core i3 lineup
• Intel Core i5 lineup
• MediaTek Helio lineup
• Apple A lineup
• Qualcomm Snapdragon lineup

MICROCONTROLLER

What is a microcontroller, July 7, 2021

A microcontroller is a System on Chip(SoC) which is used to control a specific function. Unlike a microprocessor, a microcontroller is a standalone device. It has in it a CPU, ROM, RAM, I/O and any other required component for it to fully function on its own.

Because a microcontroller is designed to execute a specific set of functions only, the data handled is small, and thus it normally has reduced specifications.

Microcontrollers are what are used to design and build embedded systems. To reduce costs, the embedded systems designer selects components with just the required specifications. Unlike in a general purpose-computer, future-proofing is not considered.

The top five microcontroller producers globally include:

• Microchip - (own Atmel) produce both AVR and ARM microcontrollers
• NXP - have a broad portfolio of MCUs sold to multiple companies from Apple, Samsung and to the automotive industry
• Renesas - produce the RA and RX MCU families
• Silicon Labs - produce the EFM MCUs
• Infineon - market leader in automotive and power semiconductors

The top five microcontrollers in Kenya include:

• Intel core i3 lineup
• Intel Core i5 lineup
• MediaTek Helio lineup
• Apple A lineup
• Qualcomm Snapdragon lineup