Electrical and Electronic Engineering - Research Proposal Example

Microcontrollers The computer system may be evaluated by taking into consideration the continuous transformation that take place from a high-level language to the electrical signals that converse with the hardware. The microcontroller is an integral part of current computer systems. Thus, its importance cannot be overemphasized. By examining the microcontroller as a single entity, its history, the types, utilization, application, development tools, its features and the External Memory and Embedded Microcontrollers, an understanding of the microcontroller is gained. The paper, through extensive research from resources like books examines and evaluates the microcontroller and its concepts. This project proposal seeks to ask for permission so as to undertake a project on microcontrollers and produce an argument on the use of microcontrollers. Aim and Objectives The aim of the proposal is to discuss microcontrollers as a whole without being specific on one type or kind of a microcontroller in order to comprehend the concepts behind all microcontrollers. Its objective is to provide a description that a person interested in microcontrollers can easily understand. Microcontroller Introduction The changes that are occurring in the world today can be attributed to the development that is taking place in the microcontrollers’ area. Microcontrollers have added and topped up the numerous improvements happening in engineering instrumentation and computer applications. Of great importance has been the progression of technology in semiconductors. Progression of semiconductor technology has made it possible to have the whole of the central processing unit of current computers on a solitary chip. The solitary chip utilizes both VLSI and LSI technology. Back in time, the microcontroller was known as a microcomputer. In the year 1978, Intel produced the microcontroller series chip called MCS-48. In 1980, it produced the 8051 series and in 1983, it produced the MCS-96. Both the MCS-48 AND THE 8051 series had an 8-bit CPU while the MCS-96 had a 16-bit CPU. It is evident that an integral component of a microcontroller is a CPU; however, it also consists of other parts that include; a RAM, in-built ROM, a clock circuit, serial I/O, parallel I/O, and counters. With this information, this paper is going to look at microcontroller (Ram, 2004). Figure 1: Block diagram of a microcontroller (Murthy, n.d.) Sale Volumes According to Arnold (2001), the press has always stressed on the 16-bit microcontroller due to the revenue they obtain from these advertisements. However, he goes on to note that 8-bit microcontrollers take the largest market share of sold microcontrollers. He asserts that it will take time for the 16-bit microcontrollers to overtake the 8-bit in terms of sale volume. Currently, 32-bit microcontrollers are also in production and sale. The sale volumes imply that there are differences in the three types of microcontrollers (Arnold, 2001). Microcontroller Types Classification of microcontrollers is based on their architecture, internal bus width, instruction, and memory. As earlier stated, they include 4, 8, 16, and 32-bit microcontrollers. 1. 4-bit Microcontroller 4-bit microcontrollers have features that include small pin count, and they are small in size. They are also cheap. 4-bit microcontrollers are vastly utilised for applications in moveable battery chargers, LCD, and LED display drivers. They have a low power consumption rate. An example of a common 4-bit microcontroller is the ATAM862 series (Singh & Kumar, 2008). 2. 8-bit Microcontroller As the volume sales indicate, they are the most commonly utilised type of microcontrollers. They account for more than fifty percent of all microcontrollers currently in use. They are characterized by the performance of the ALU. The ALU does all the logical and arithmetic processes. These processes are done on a byte instruction. Intel developed the first 8-bit microcontroller called the 8051 (Singh & Kumar, 2008). 3. 16-bit Microcontroller What makes a microcontroller a 16-bit? A micro-controller is termed as 16-bit if it undertakes 16-bit logical and arithmetic processes at an instruction. 16-bit microcontrollers are characterised by a 16-bit internal bus width. They have higher processing speeds and a greater size of memory. Their usage is mainly in High-level programming languages. Items such as Modems, scanners, and disk drivers mainly use the 16-bit micro-controllers. The Intel 8096 series is one example of a 16-bit microcontroller (Singh & Kumar, 2008). 4. 32-bit Microcontroller The common application for 32-bit microcontrollers is in high-end uses. These high-end uses include control of automotive. An example of a 32-bit microprocessor is the ATMEL 32 (Singh & Kumar, 2008). Tools used in the Development of a Microcontroller Program 1. Assembler The assembler’s function is to interpret assembly into machine language (Godse & Godse, 2009). 2. Editor An editor is a program whose function is to make a file that has the statements of the assembly language. It does this by amassing the ASCII codes in consecutive locations in the RAM. The created file has to be saved and is termed as a source file. It is the function of the assembler to process the file (Godse & Godse, 2009). 3. Compiler The function of the compiler is to change high level-languages into machine or binary codes. High-level languages permit the execution of intricate data sets needed for the control of data with ease. As a result, compilers are very widespread in use (Godse & Godse, 2009). 4. Debugger The debugger permits the carrying out of the program and its debugging. It debugs by examining the contents of the memory sites and registers. Debuggers are known for their convenience that results from various features such as breakpoints that permits the running of the program up to the instruction where the breakpoint is inserted. Other debuggers permit the halting of the program after every instruction (Godse & Godse, 2009). 5. Simulator It is a software program that practically performs the instructions same as a microcontroller. It shows the results that aid in assessing them to avoid errors (Godse & Godse, 2009). External Memory and Embedded Microcontrollers External Memory Microcontrollers Singh and Kumar (2008) note that, a microcontroller is termed as an external memory microcontroller if it has a microcontroller entity that lacks various functional blocks that are presented on a chip. They imply that part of or all of the memory entity is interfaced externally by utilization of a bordering circuit. The bordering circuit is called the glue circuit (Singh & Kumar, 2008). Embedded Microcontrollers Singh and Kumar (2008) go on to define embedded microcontrollers. They say that if the microcontroller unit of an embedded structure has all functional blocks accessible on a chip, then it is termed as an embedded microcontroller (Singh & Kumar, 2008). Features of a Microcontroller Architectural Features 1. Von-Neuman Architecture The microcontrollers that have this type of architecture consist of a solitary data bus. The data bus functions to get data and instructions. The data and instructions of the program are amassed in one chief memory. Thus, if the microcontroller evaluates the chief memory, it initially gets the instruction and then gets the data associated with the instruction. The disadvantage of this feature is the slowness associated with these split actions (Yadav & Singh, 2006). 2. Harvard Architecture This feature allows the availability of distinct instruction and data bus. Hence, when there is an execution, it happens parallel. It means that as an instruction is “pre-gotten,” the instruction associated with it is processing in the bus associated with data. The parallel actions permit quick processing. Nevertheless, the demerit associated with this is the intricacy involved (Yadav & Singh, 2006). a. RISC Reduced Instruction Set Computers is been utilised in microcontrollers whereby the microcontroller has lesser instructions. Lesser instructions allow for performance improving characteristics. The merits of RISC are that the microcontroller has low power use, lesser pin count, and a smaller chip. The feature permits concurrent access of data and program that allows for an increase in the performance of the execution. The execution speed is also increased through instruction pipelining and the instructions lack any unique combinations or restrictions (Yadav & Singh, 2006). b. CISC Complex Instruction Set Computer microcontroller has more than eighty instructions. The instructions are particulate and controlling. The merit of CISC is that it has macro-like instructions that permit programmers to utilize one instruction for many other instructions (Yadav & Singh, 2006). c. SISC In a Specific Instruction Set Computer, CPU’s ability is reduced that permits a whole computer to fit on a solitary chip (Singh & Kumar, 2008). Fabrication Techniques 1. CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor is utilised to describe many recent microcontrollers. Chips using CMOS use less power and may be partially or fully static. It is more resistant to noise than traditional fabrication systems (Yadav & Singh, 2006). 2. PMP Post Metal Programming is an implantation procedure that is of high-energy. It permits the ROM of the microcontroller to be programmed after the last metallization (Yadav & Singh, 2006). Applications of Microcontrollers Microcontrollers are widely utilised in robotics. In robotics, numerous particulate undertakings can be dispensed among many microcontrollers in a solitary system. In such a system, communications between every microcontroller and the main microcontroller can allow the processing of information by the main computer or move on of the information on to other microcontrollers (Singh & Kumar, 2008). Microcontrollers are used in control functions such as home observation systems. They are also applied in embedded applications that include appliances like ovens, aerospace, automotive, automobiles like controlling of engines, instrumentation, and control of the environment (Singh & Kumar, 2008). Conclusion The discussion of microcontrollers indicates that they have a history of development and evolution like any other technological innovation. Over the years, there have been several improvements and advancements to the microcontroller. It has resulted in different types of microcontrollers that have signified certain strengths and weaknesses. Nevertheless, the original design of microcontrollers has largely been retained in spite of the improvements. The designing and the design features of microcontrollers have defined the overall efficiency and execution power of microcontrollers. Their applications are numerous; they are not limited to those mentioned in the paper, an indication of the importance of microcontrollers. References Arnold, K., 2001. Embedded Controller Hardware Design. illustrated ed. Burlington: Newnes. Godse, D. A. & Godse, A. P., 2009. Microcontrollers. Pune: Technical Publications. Murthy, Y. N., n.d.. slideshare. [Online] Available at: http://www.slideshare.net/yayavaram/8051-microcontroller-notes [Accessed 19 September 2014]. Ram, S. K. V., 2004. Advanced Microprocessor & Microcontrollers. New Delhi: Firewall Media. Singh, A. K. & Kumar, S. A., 2008. Microcontroller and Embedded System. s.l.:New Age International. Yadav, D. S. & Singh, A. K., 2006. Microcontrollers: Features and Applications. s.l.:New Age International. Read More