Differences
This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
| Both sides previous revisionPrevious revisionNext revision | Previous revision | ||
| en:microcontrollers [2010/09/24 12:22] – allan.pettai | en:microcontrollers [2020/07/20 09:00] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
| ===== Microcontrollers ===== | ===== Microcontrollers ===== | ||
| - | [{{ : | + | [{{ : |
| A microcontroller is basically a computer which is placed on a single integrated circuit chip. It consists of memory, a processor, as well as input-output interfaces. Microcontrollers are programmed to run a certain task, which means, if there is a need to change or enhance its functionality, | A microcontroller is basically a computer which is placed on a single integrated circuit chip. It consists of memory, a processor, as well as input-output interfaces. Microcontrollers are programmed to run a certain task, which means, if there is a need to change or enhance its functionality, | ||
| * All functions are placed on a single chip in a smaller and more compact scale. | * All functions are placed on a single chip in a smaller and more compact scale. | ||
| - | * It is programmed to perform certain task; in order to change its functionality new software must be installed. | + | * It is programmed to perform |
| * It consumes less power because all physical characteristics are smaller and less energy demanding than in a PC, laptop or server. Developers of microcontrollers concentrate on low energy demand so that mobile applications that use batteries can work longer. | * It consumes less power because all physical characteristics are smaller and less energy demanding than in a PC, laptop or server. Developers of microcontrollers concentrate on low energy demand so that mobile applications that use batteries can work longer. | ||
| - | * Single purpose inputs and outputs. Microcontrollers have so called peripherals, | + | * Single purpose inputs and outputs. Microcontrollers have so called peripherals, |
| - | Microcontrollers can be found in a variety of everyday items: household appliances (e.g. microwave ovens, TV-sets), toys (Lego NXT, talking dolls), vehicles (cars, hoists), etc. Microcontrollers’ wide usage has been possible because they are easy to program and have a wide range of functionality, | + | Microcontrollers can be found in a variety of everyday items: household appliances (e.g. microwave ovens, TV-sets), toys (Lego NXT, talking dolls), vehicles (cars, hoists), etc. Microcontrollers’ wide usage has been possible because they are easy to program and have a wide range of functionalities; |
| ===== Robotics ===== | ===== Robotics ===== | ||
| Line 18: | Line 18: | ||
| Robotics is a science that combines the technology and knowledge necessary to build robots. Due to the fast development of technology, the term robot, as an automatic machine that replaces humans, is not so clearly defined anymore. A robot is no longer just a humanoid robot, robotic hand at an auto assembly line, autopilot in aircraft, artificial intelligence built of living neurons or simple cleaning robot; it is also computer software that completes tasks meant for humans (for example, compiles reports). It is known that robots are built to replace humans at certain tasks. There are many reasons for this: dangerous working conditions, cheaper production, monotonous work may cause humans to err, new systems are so complex and time-critical, | Robotics is a science that combines the technology and knowledge necessary to build robots. Due to the fast development of technology, the term robot, as an automatic machine that replaces humans, is not so clearly defined anymore. A robot is no longer just a humanoid robot, robotic hand at an auto assembly line, autopilot in aircraft, artificial intelligence built of living neurons or simple cleaning robot; it is also computer software that completes tasks meant for humans (for example, compiles reports). It is known that robots are built to replace humans at certain tasks. There are many reasons for this: dangerous working conditions, cheaper production, monotonous work may cause humans to err, new systems are so complex and time-critical, | ||
| - | ===== Microcontrollers in robotics | + | ===== Microcontrollers in Robotics |
| - | Because of the breadth of robotics, we define it as hobby robotics; these systems are not too complex, and it is possible to build them alone. Common microcontrollers in hobby robotics are: | + | Because of the breadth of robotics, we define it as hobby robotics; these systems are not too complex, and it is possible to build them by oneself. Common microcontrollers in hobby robotics are: |
| * Atmel AVR microcontrollers (ATmega, ATtiny, etc.) | * Atmel AVR microcontrollers (ATmega, ATtiny, etc.) | ||
