Understanding Microcontrollers: What is an MCU?

Understanding Microcontrollers: What is an MCU?

The MCU chip refers to the Microcontroller Unit (Microcontroller Unit; MCU), also known as a microcontroller or single-chip microcomputer. It appropriately reduces the frequency and specifications of the central processing unit and integrates memory, counters, USB, A/D conversion, UART, PLC, DMA, and other peripheral interfaces, even the LCD driver circuit, into a single chip, forming … Read more

Introduction to Assembly Language Programming for Microcontrollers

Introduction to Assembly Language Programming for Microcontrollers

Click the blue text to follow us 1. Overview of Microcontroller Programming Languages 1. Three commonly used programming languages for microcontrollers Machine Language Refers to programming directly using machine code, which can be executed directly by the computer. Assembly Language Refers to programming languages that use mnemonic codes to replace machine code. High-Level Language The … Read more

Overview of Microcontroller Minimal System Circuit and Its Functions

Overview of Microcontroller Minimal System Circuit and Its Functions

First, let us briefly introduce the specific functions of each pin of the 51 microcontroller, and then we will focus on the concept of the microcontroller minimal system, its composition, and the practical uses of the circuit diagrams of its various parts. According to the pin identification method of integrated circuits, with the notch facing … Read more

Detailed Explanation of Three Programming Methods: ICP, IAP, and ISP

Detailed Explanation of Three Programming Methods: ICP, IAP, and ISP

Those who play with microcontrollers must have heard of IAP, ICP, and ISP. Today, I will help everyone “consolidate” the relevant knowledge. ● ICP (In Circuit Programming) ● ISP (In System Programming) ● IAP (In Application Programming) 1. ICP (In Circuit Programming) Those who have used Nuvoton microcontrollers must know that Nuvoton provides a set … Read more

Differences Between Microcontroller and PLC Programming

Differences Between Microcontroller and PLC Programming

Teacher Liao Changchu A university teacher told me: “Recently, while reviewing students’ graduation theses, I found that some students drew flowcharts for PLC programs just like microcontroller programs. However, when the system has analog control links, the flowcharts drawn are difficult to explain the issues, making it hard to create a comprehensive flowchart that reflects … Read more

Understanding Interrupts in Microcontrollers

Understanding Interrupts in Microcontrollers

The microcontroller’s CPU, while processing an event A, receives a request to quickly handle another event B (interrupt occurs); the CPU temporarily interrupts its current work to process event B (interrupt response and interrupt service); upon completing event B, the CPU returns to the original point of event A that was interrupted to continue processing … Read more

Understanding Microcontrollers: A Beginner’s Guide

Understanding Microcontrollers: A Beginner's Guide

This article begins by introducing microcontrollers from the perspective of integrated circuits, mainly covering the pin diagram and functions of microcontrollers, as well as basic programming. First, let’s take a look at the functional block diagram of the 80C51 microcontroller. The 80C51 microcontroller belongs to the MCS-51 series and uses a 40-pin dual in-line package … Read more

Differences Between Microcontrollers and PLCs

Since the introduction of PLCs in the 1960s in the United States to replace traditional relay control devices, PLCs have rapidly developed and been widely applied around the world. At the same time, the functions of PLCs have continuously improved. With the ongoing advancements in computer technology, signal processing technology, control technology, and network technology, … Read more

Mastering Microcontrollers: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering Microcontrollers: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Introduction Many beginners in microcontrollers often ask me, “I am currently a microcontroller beginner, how can I learn it faster? Where should I start?” Regarding this question, I would like to share my thoughts on how I learned microcontrollers, how to get started, and how to become proficient. First, let’s talk about microcontrollers. The … Read more

3 Ways to Program Microcontrollers (ISP, ICP, IAP)

3 Ways to Program Microcontrollers (ISP, ICP, IAP)

A microcontroller is a type of programmable controller that, after setting up the hardware circuit, can use programs to implement many very complex logical functions. Compared to pure hardware circuits, it simplifies the design of hardware peripherals, facilitates logical design, and enriches logical outputs. Different manufacturers of microcontrollers require different programming IDEs to achieve programming. … Read more