Microcontrollers- Why you should use them

For all those who do not know what is a microcontroller, this piece of write is up will surely be a good read. We are surrounded by a variety of microcontrollers around us. In our day to day lives, we make use of them in so many different ways. For example, if the microwave oven at your home contains a LED display, it contains a microcontroller. All devices that are remote controlled have one. Each of these systems uses a microcontroller as their main control unit. Here is the list of the systems:

• TV remote control
• Security system
• Car lock remote
• Car anti lock braking system
• DVD player
• Toaster
• Satellite decoder and
• Many others...

A microcontroller can be defined as all in one integrated circuit with a built in processor memory and features that can be programmed again. They are hidden behind a surprising large number of gadgets today.  

They are embedded inside the devices and thus control the functioning of the product. Everything is present in the same IC. The performance of features gets better by each day.

In the current times, there are many microcontrollers with a mixed type of features on board. So, the user might want to do the comparison of features among all and then select the best one that suits his needs. More exclusive the features more will be the cost of the microcontroller. Many times, it becomes more economic to go with a low cost micro controller and have added extra features.

Some of their advantages are:

• They are cheap and small in size and thus can be installed in a variety of devices and equipments.
• It is simple to learn and not a complex programming.
• It helps us to see the practical results of our programs.
• It acts as microcomputers without any digital parts.
• Most of the pins can be made customised and programmable by the user.
• Advanced pace and performance.
• Easier and convenient designs
• Easy for maintaining, and troubleshooting procedures
• It is Highly reliable
• They have better output voltage tolerance
• It Improves efficiency; avoids overheating.
• Once they are programmed, they cannot be reprogrammed.
• Labour saving tasks can be performed which increase the efficiency of the user.

Now that you know what is a microcontroller and how to use it for your benefit, good luck choosing one!