User Interface

The following chapters introduce the various components that are intended for communication between the microcontroller and the person. Simpler components such as LEDs and switches can be controlled by microcontroller digital input-output functions. The joints are metallic contacts of the microcontroller, the speaker's legs, through which digital signals can be transmitted and received. If the pin is configured as an input in the program, it can read the status of switches or other simpler sensors in the microcontroller. If the pin is configured to output, it can light up the luminous diodes or control electrical equipment. More sophisticated devices such as screens and sound generators are no longer just about simple digital signals but only needing communication, either the application of a data exchange protocol or the generation of digital pulses of different shapes.

The drawings of virtually all typical microcontrollers allow simple input-output functions, but they usually have alternate functions as well. Before dealing with alternative functions, however, simple features should be made clear.