CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION TO MICROPROCESSOR AND

MICROCONTROLLER
1.1 Introduction
Microprocessors or microcontrollers are widely used, as
controlling component in all kind of instruments. In this case the
Microcontroller with its peripheral extensions is the major
responsible component for the functionality of an instrument. If
the controller fails, the complete instrument fails. Therefore this is
very important to understand the major blocks inside of a
microprocessor based system for maintenance and repair of such
instruments. Such a controller system is calling an embedded
controller. [1].

1.2 Introduction to Microprocessor

A Microprocessor is a device containing functions equivalent to a
small computers Central Processing Unit (CPU). It is such capable
of performing basic computer functions, and can be incorporated
into system designs where such functions are required. Therefore,
microprocessor by definition is the central processing unit, with
instruction decoder, registers and Arithmetic Logic processing Unit
(ALU) [1].

Figure (1.1): Block diagram of microprocessor

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.3 Introduction of Microcontroller

Microcontrollers are single-chip microcomputers, more suited for
control
and
automation
of
machines
and
processes.
Microcontrollers have central processing unit (CPU), memory,
input/output ports (I/O), timers and counters, analog-to-digital
converter (ADC), digital-to analog converter, serial ports interrupt
logic, oscillator circuitry and many more functional blocks on chip,
figure (1.2) shows a general functional block diagram of a
microcontroller [2].
Note that there may be variations in the functional blocks from
device to device and from one manufacturer to another. All this
functional blocks on a single integrated circuit (IC), results in to a
reduced size of control board, low power conception, more
reliability and ease of integration with in an application design. The
usage of microcontrollers not only reduces the cost of automation,
but also provides more flexibility. The designer is little bit relieved
from the complex interfacing of external peripherals like
ADC/DACs, etc. and can concentrate on applications and
development aspects, the device can be programmed to make the
system intelligent. This is possible because of the data processing
and memory capability of microcontrollers. Ones a typical
microcontroller is learnt and practiced, one may wish to go for
other microcontrollers from various makes. Some of commonly
used microcontrollers are Intel MCS-51, MCS-96, Motorola 68HC12
family, microchips peripheral interface controller (PIC) family of
microcontrollers [2].

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

Figure(1.2):Block diagram of microcontrollers

1.4History
The first single-chip microprocessor was the 4-bit Intel 4004 released in 1971, with
the Intel 8008 and other more capable microprocessors becoming available over the
next several years. However, both processors required external chips to implement a
working system, raising total system cost, and making it impossible to economically
computerize appliances [3].
The Smithsonian Institution says TI engineers Gary Boone and Michael Cochran
succeeded in creating the first microcontroller in 1971. The result of their work was
the TMS 1000, which went commercial in 1974. It combined read-only memory,
read/write memory, processor and clock on one chip and was targeted at embedded
systems [3].
3

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

Partly in response to the existence of the single-chip TMS 1000, Intel developed a
computer system on a chip optimized for control applications, the Intel 8048, with
commercial parts first shipping in 1977. It combined RAM and ROM on the same
chip. This chip would find its way into over one billion PC keyboards, and other
numerous applications. At that time Intel's President, Luke J. Val enter, stated that
the microcontroller was one of the most successful in the company's history, and
expanded the division's budget over 25% [3].
Most microcontrollers at this time had two variants. One had an erasable EPROM
program memory, which was significantly more expensive than the PROM variant
which was only programmable once. Erasing the EPROM required exposure to
ultraviolet light through a transparent quartz lid. One-time parts could be made in
lower-cost opaque plastic packages [3].
In 1993, the introduction of EEPROM memory allowed microcontrollers
(beginning with the Microchip PIC16x84) to be electrically erased quickly without
an expensive package as required for EPROM, allowing both rapid prototyping,
and In System Programming. The same year, Atmel introduced the first
microcontroller using Flash memory. Other companies rapidly followed suit, with
both memory types [3].

1.5 The Origins of Arduino

Arduino was originally developed as an aid for teaching students.
It was subsequently (in 2005) developed commercially by
Massimo Banzi and David Cuartielles. It has since gone on to
become enormously successful with makers, students, and artists
for its ease of use and durability. Another key factor in its
success is that all the designs for Arduino are freely available
under a Creative Commons license. This has allowed many lowercost alternatives to the boards to appear. Only the name Arduino
4

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

is protected, so such clones often have "Arduino" names, such

as Boarduino, Seeeduino, and Freeduino. However, the
official boards manufactured in Italy still sell extremely well.
Many big retailers sell only the official boards, which are nicely
packaged and of high quality.
Yet another reason for the success of Arduino is that it is not
limited to Microcontroller boards. There are a huge number of
Arduino-compatible shield boards that plug directly into the top
of an Arduino board. Because shields are available for almost
every conceivable application, you often can avoid using a
soldering iron and instead plug together shields that can be
stacked one upon another. The following are just a few of the
most popular shields[4].
Ethernet, which gives an Arduino web-serving capabilities
Motor, which drives electric motors
USB Host, which allows control of USB devices
, Relays,
Arduino

which switches relays from

your