Microcontroller (MCU)
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Microcontrollers & SBCs Cheatsheet
A quick reference guide to microcontrollers and single-board computers (SBCs), covering essential terminology, architectures, popular platforms, and key considerations for selection and use.
Fundamentals
Definitions
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A self-contained system-on-a-chip that includes a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. Designed for embedded applications. |
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Single-Board Computer (SBC) |
A complete computer built on a single circuit board, typically including a microprocessor, memory, I/O, and other features required for a functional computer. Often runs a full operating system. |
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Embedded System |
A specialized computer system designed to perform a dedicated function, often with real-time constraints. Microcontrollers are commonly used in embedded systems. |
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SoC |
System on Chip, integrates all components of a computer or other electronic system into a single integrated circuit. |
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GPIO |
General Purpose Input/Output pins. Configurable pins on a microcontroller or SBC that can be used for digital input or output. |
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UART |
Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter. A serial communication protocol. |
Key Differences
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Processing Power |
SBCs generally have significantly more processing power than microcontrollers, featuring faster processors and more memory. |
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Operating System |
SBCs typically run a full operating system (e.g., Linux, Windows IoT), while microcontrollers often use real-time operating systems (RTOS) or run bare-metal code. |
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Complexity |
SBCs are more complex to set up and manage due to the OS and software dependencies. Microcontrollers are simpler for basic tasks. |
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Power Consumption |
Microcontrollers generally consume less power than SBCs, making them suitable for battery-powered applications. |
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Cost |
Microcontrollers are usually cheaper than SBCs, especially for high-volume production. |
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Use Cases |
Microcontrollers are suited for dedicated tasks like controlling sensors and actuators. SBCs are better for applications requiring complex processing, networking, or user interfaces. |
Architectures
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RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) |
Emphasizes simplified instruction sets, leading to faster execution and lower power consumption. ARM architecture is a prominent example. |
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CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) |
Features a more extensive set of instructions, allowing for more complex operations. x86 architecture is a common example (used in many SBCs). |
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ARM |
A widely used RISC architecture, particularly in microcontrollers and mobile devices. Known for its energy efficiency and versatility. |
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x86 |
A CISC architecture commonly found in desktop and laptop computers. Also used in some higher-end SBCs. |
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Harvard Architecture |
Separate memory spaces for instructions and data, enabling simultaneous access and faster execution. |
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Von Neumann Architecture |
Single memory space for both instructions and data, simpler but may lead to performance bottlenecks. |
Popular Platforms
Microcontroller Platforms
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Arduino |
An open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. Ideal for beginners and rapid prototyping. Uses AVR microcontrollers. |
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ESP32 |
A low-cost, low-power system-on-a-chip (SoC) series with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. Popular for IoT applications. |
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STM32 |
A family of 32-bit microcontrollers based on the ARM Cortex-M core. Known for their performance and versatility. |
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PIC Microcontrollers |
A family of microcontrollers from Microchip Technology, widely used in embedded systems due to their low cost and ease of programming. |
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Teensy |
A line of microcontroller boards designed for hobbyists and developers, offering a balance of performance, size, and ease of use. |
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AVR |
A family of microcontrollers developed by Atmel (now Microchip Technology), commonly used in Arduino boards and other embedded applications. |
Single-Board Computer Platforms
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Raspberry Pi |
A series of small, affordable SBCs widely used for education, hobbyist projects, and industrial applications. Runs Linux-based operating systems. |
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NVIDIA Jetson |
A family of SBCs designed for AI and machine learning applications, featuring powerful GPUs and optimized software libraries. |
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BeagleBone |
A series of open-source SBCs known for their flexibility and extensive I/O capabilities. Often used in industrial automation and robotics. |
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ODROID |
A line of SBCs offering a range of performance options and features, suitable for various applications including gaming, media centers, and embedded systems. |
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Intel NUC |
A small form factor computer that can be used as a single board computer alternative with more processing power. Usually runs Windows or Linux. |
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Rock Pi |
A high-performance single board computer offering excellent performance and rich interfaces. |
Comparison Table
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Selection Criteria
Performance Requirements
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Consider the processing power, memory, and clock speed required for your application. SBCs are preferable for computationally intensive tasks, while microcontrollers are sufficient for simpler control applications. |
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Evaluate the need for real-time processing. Microcontrollers often excel in real-time applications due to their deterministic behavior. |
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Assess the complexity of algorithms and data processing involved. SBCs are better suited for complex algorithms and large datasets. |
I/O and Connectivity
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Determine the number and type of I/O interfaces required (e.g., GPIO, UART, SPI, I2C, USB). Microcontrollers offer a wide range of I/O options, while SBCs provide more connectivity options like Ethernet and HDMI. |
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Consider the need for wireless connectivity (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular). Some microcontrollers and SBCs come with integrated wireless modules. |
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Evaluate the need for analog input and output capabilities (ADC/DAC). Microcontrollers are commonly used for analog sensor interfacing. |
Power Consumption
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For battery-powered applications, prioritize low power consumption. Microcontrollers generally consume less power than SBCs. |
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Consider power management features such as sleep modes and voltage scaling. These features can help minimize power consumption when the device is idle. |
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Evaluate the power requirements of peripherals and external components. Choose components that are energy-efficient. |
Software and Development Environment
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Consider the availability of software libraries, development tools, and community support. Arduino and Raspberry Pi have large communities and extensive resources. |
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Evaluate the ease of programming and debugging. Some platforms offer user-friendly IDEs and debugging tools. |
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Consider the operating system requirements. SBCs typically run Linux, while microcontrollers often use RTOS or bare-metal programming. |
Programming Languages
Languages for Microcontrollers
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C/C++ |
The most common languages for microcontroller programming. They provide low-level control and efficient memory usage. |
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Assembly Language |
Provides the most direct control over the hardware, but is more complex and time-consuming to write. Used for performance-critical sections of code. |
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MicroPython |
A lean and efficient implementation of the Python 3 programming language that is optimized to run on microcontrollers. |
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Arduino Programming Language |
A simplified dialect of C++ designed for use with the Arduino IDE. Makes microcontroller programming more accessible. |
Languages for SBCs
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Python |
A high-level, general-purpose programming language that is widely used on SBCs due to its readability and extensive libraries. |
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C/C++ |
Also used on SBCs, especially for performance-critical applications and system-level programming. |
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Java |
A platform-independent language commonly used for developing applications on SBCs, particularly in enterprise environments. |
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JavaScript |
Used for web development and Node.js applications on SBCs. Useful for creating user interfaces and network services. |
Debugging Tips
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