Halim embedded hardware - Assignment Example

This is differentiated from the use of microprocessors such as in personal computers. Automation applications require the utilisation of microcontrollers. Modern applications employ microcontrollers in a number of places such as in automobiles, medical products, power tools, remote controls, household appliances and many other such embedded systems. The primary advantage offered by microcontrollers is the lower cost when compared to microprocessors. While microcontrollers are embedded, microprocessors require other components in order to function.

The use of microcontrollers allows the use of a single component to achieve functionality. However, using microprocessor would require the use of memory devices as well as input output (I/O) devices and other peripheral devices. Moreover, microcontrollers offer mixed signal control by combining analogue and digital signals control. Microcontrollers offer low power consumptions of a few milli-watts or micro-watts by relying on low clock frequencies. These microcontrollers function while waiting for other event triggers such as interrupts or button press.

Moreover, they have very low power consumption while in sleep mode since most peripherals as well as the internal clock are switched off. This enables microcontrollers to be used in applications requiring low battery consumption. Microcontrollers may be adapted to various roles including performance based roles. For these applications, microcontrollers act as digital signal processors (DSPs) using high clock speeds and high power consumption. Microcontrollers are also diverse given their input output (I/O) pins.

In the current application, the utilised microcontroller has 35 IO pins in all which are more than adequate for most digital and non digital applications. The embedded qualities of the microcontroller make it well suited for this project in comparison to other alternatives. The next issue of importance is the I/O interface