Microcontrollers

Microcontroller vs Microprocessor #

A microprocessor unit (MPU) is a processor on one silicon chip. A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a microprocessor with some added circuitry on one silicon chip. A microcontroller can therefore be used standalone, without the need of any additional component to be able to function. Microcontrollers are used in embedded computing and most IoT devices are based on microcontrollers.

proc-vs-cont

As indicated previously, a microcontroller can be standalone but, it is usually mounted on a board with additional non-mandatory electronic parts: LEDs, voltage regulators, header pins for easy access to microcontroller pins, reset button, serial-USB interface,… Below, an Arduino Pro Mini based on the ATmega328P microcontroller.

u-board

Enjoy!

2021 - Congduc Pham