ECET 209

Introduction to Microcontrollers
 Class Introduction

ECET 209
Introduction to Microcontrollers
 Overview

• Basic Microcontrollers
• Course Syllabus

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 What is a Microcontroller?

• A microcontroller is a complete computer

system optimized for hardware control that
encapsulates the entire processor, memory,
and all of the I/O peripherals on a single
piece of silicon (text book definition).

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 What is a Microcontroller?

• Complete Computer System

• Processor
• Memory
• I/O peripherals
• Single piece of Silicon

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 Computer System

• System of hardware that performs

arithmetic operations, manipulates data, and
makes decisions.

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 I/O Peripherals

• A Microcomputer can input and output data

to devices connected to the computer
system
• Control devices
• Data can be exchanged through Parallel or
Serial connections

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 Single Piece of Silicon

• Microcomputers are a result of evolution of

processors and manufacturing techniques
which produce smaller (and smaller)
devices

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 Nature of a Microcontroller

• 3 Basic Blocks to a Microcontroller

– CPU
– Memory
– I/O

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 CPU

• Carries out the Instructions

• Provides Intelligence (Decision Making)

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CPU

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 Memory

• Stores the Program (Flash)

– Instructions that tell the CPU what to do

• Storage for Information (RAM)

– Holds information
• Making decisions
• Acquired Data, etc.

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Memory

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 Input / Output

• Various methods to move data into and out

of the Microcontroller
• Allows the micro to see the “World” and to
modify or change the “World”

• Devices include lights, switches, relays,

motors, displays, sensors, and on and on…

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I/O

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 Basic Overview

Memory CPU I/O

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 Processor vs. Controller

• Processor – designed to “crunch” numbers

• Controller – new breed of processor
optimized for control tasks

• Processors generally move data in groups of

say 8-bits while controllers are designed to
manipulate single bits of data

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 Where are Microcontrollers
Used?
• Automobiles
• Air Craft
• Household Appliances
• And on and on…

• If it has intelligence, then it may have an

embedded microcontroller!!
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 Aspects of this Course

• Hardware vs. Software

• Structured Approach to Problem Solving

• Perhaps one of the Most Difficult Courses

– (not because I want it to be)
– Above mentioned Aspects
– Have to Think and Solve Problems
– Simple Fact, You’re Sophomores!!!
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 Ultimate Goal(s)

• **Prepare you for 396 / 496 & 497

• Prepare you for life after Purdue

• Fuel your love of micros so that you take all

the digital & micro courses we offer

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 Semester “Projects”

• Random # Guessing Game

• Frequency Meter (with Phase Shift)
• Volt Meter
• DC Motor Speed Controller
• FM Radio Tuner

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 No Experience Required

• The C Programming Language will be used

as a Tool to Implement a Solution
– Concentrate on Solving a “Problem”
– C is that Tool
• C for Embedded Microcontrollers is Different
• Read the Assignments and Follow Me…
– Why C ?
• Distinct Advantages
• Some Disadvantages as well

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 Questions?

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 Class Syllabus

• Instructors (Lab & Lecture)

• Course Description & Objectives
• Texts & Web Sites
• Development Board
• Cheating Policy
• Attendance
• Grading Policy
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 Lab #1

• Lab Orientation
• Write a simple C program
• Program the Microcontroller
• Build I/O Cables (parts kit)

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