Microprocessors & Microcontrollers, what's the difference?

A microprocessor is a generic term refering to a class of devices that uses programmable sequential logic to carry out a series of tasks. A microcontroller is a family of microprocessors intended for "embedded" application. i.e. the device is part of another system. Micrcontrollers are everywhere. Your computer has a number of them e.g. the keyboard, hard disk drives, video cards, sound cards and sometimes even the power supply. Microcontrollers are used in industry for process control and in domestic appliances e.g. microwave oven, washing machine, VCR, TV, games (Nintendo, Sony Playstation etc.), mobile phone, FM mobile phone etc. etc. The modern automobile now contains a number of microcontrollers for engine management, security, radio/CD player, window control etc. Microcontrollers do not normally use external memory (although many of them have the capability) The microcontroller is generally not indended for long numerical calculations like a computer microprocessor (Pentium etc.). Its usefulness lies in its ability to control other devices, detect events (switches etc.). When using a microprocessor/microcontroller in a project a number of factors have to be considered. 1. Specifications - do the attributes of the processor suit the requirement of the project? e.g. I/O pins, UARTS, Timers, Speed etc. 2. Cost - For one-off projects this is not really a major consideration 3. Availability- Who stocks it? When can it be supplied? 4. Software Tools- Can you get an Assembler, High level language compiler e.g. ("C", Pascal, Basic, Forth etc.) 5. Programmability- Do You need a programmer?, Does the device have in-circuit programmability (ISP, Jtag etc.) This article will cover 3 popular 8 bit microprcosessors 8051Family,Atmel AVR Family, Motorola 68HC11 There are many other excellent devices available but these 3 should be able to carry out tasks usually required in student projects.

The Generic 8051 family

A very popular microprocessor that was produced originally by Intel who introduced the 8031, 8048, 8051 and 8052 during the '70's and 80's. These devices have become the basis of one of the most popular microcontroller families. They are now produced under license from many manufacturers with a mind boggling variety of perturbations and features. Manufactures of this family of devices include Intel, Philips, Atmel , Siemens, Dallas Semiconductor and others

Advantages:

Industry standard processor made by many manufacturers and used extensively. Readily available, low cost Some very fast, modern devices are now available e.g. Dallas DS89C450 @ 50MHz ( one instruction per cycle)(Released in Feb. 2001). Get the file Flash Memory devices, EEprom, Sram, Eprom,OTP Rom In circuit programmability Code examples readily available on the WWW Assemblers and Compilers readily available and often free!

Simple but comprehensive instruction set. Many versions with a variety of attractive features, for embedded control applications there is a version to suit almost every requirement.

Disadvantages:

This is more a microcontroller than a microcomputer and the arithmetic assembly instructions are limited compared to a 68HC11

Assemblers and Compilers:

A free Windows based "C" compiler and Assembler can be downloded from Rigel (Full Version) A free Windows based Assembler from Batronix (Demo) A Dos Assembler Asmb51 Another Dos Assembler Mlasm If you insist on programming in Basic there is a free Windows Basic Compiler for the 8051 http://www.mcselec.com/download.htm A Small Device "C" compliler, if you get it working then tell me http://sdcc.sourceforge.net/ The 8051 instruction set from Seimens

Code Examples:

A huge collection of code and information, download the zip file (1.17MBytes... will fit on a floppy)

Monitor Programme:

Although not in fashion so much these days a monitor programme provides your micro system with a mini "operating system" that is very useful for downloading programmes and de-bugging Here is a very good, professional fully documented monitor programme for the 8051

Web Links:

There is an ENORMOUS amount of information about the 8051 on the www. Here are a few hand-picked sites All sorts of interesting 8051 material can be found at http://www.systronix.com/RAD51/RAD51_files.htm The Yahoo 8051 web ring. You MUST go here http://nav.webring.yahoo.com/hub? ring=80x51&list A list of links and resources http://ohm.ec.nkit.edu.tw/~csshieh/8051/index.html#compiler An 8051 Resouce page http://www.boerde.de/~matthias/m8051/ Compilers, assemblers, code, info, specs. http://www.programmersheaven.com/zone5/cat27/index.htm Free, fully functional windows based "C" Compiler and Assembler http://www.rigelcorp.com/c8051soft.htm