Saturday, July 23, 2011

EMBEDDED SYSTEM MICROCONTROLLERS BASICS | 8051 microcontollers

In my previous post, I've given you   an introduction about embedded system and its applications
In this post I'll be introducing you to the world of microcontrollers and the most common 8051 family microcontrollers. As I have told you that embedded system is a combination of software and hardwares. Softwares deals with the task and flexibilites a system does and hardware part deals with the microcontrollers.

MICROCONTROLLERS IS OFTEN ASSOCIATED  AS MICROPROCCSESORS BUT THERE ARE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THEM.

In general purpose microprocessors there is no RAM, ROM, I/O PORTS, TIMERS and other peripherals
While  microcontrollers has
*A CPU (Microproceesor)
*RAM
*ROM
*I/O PORTS
*TIMER
*ADC (A TO D CONV.)   etc.


CLICK N IMAGE TO SEE THE ENLARGED VIEW
The image describes the microcontllrers and microprocessors. In general purpose microprocessors external ram,rom,i/o prts,timers and other peripherls need to be added to make them functional.

READ ABOUT 8051 FAMILY MICROCONTROLLERS

INTRODUCTION TO EMBEDDED SYSTEMS AND MICROCONTROLLERS

We are living in the embedded world. We are surrounded by so many embedded products like electronics gadgets namely mobile phones, card readers, TV, radio, washing machines, ovens etc.

What actually are embedded systems :-
THESE ARE BASICALLY A COMBINATION OF SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE AND ARE DESIGNED TO PERFORM A PARTICULAR TAK OR FUNCTION. So we can say it is a computer system that means it do computing.

As I have told you that embedded systems is a combination of software and hardware. The software deals  with the function or task that a particular system performs and  hardware refers to the controllers I.e. embedded system is controlled by hardware known as a microcontroller.

So an embedded system forms an important part of our life and its scope is wide. From mp3 player , wrist watches to air traffic control and  nuclear power plants , everything is an embedded system i.e. performs a particular task.



 A Personal computer is not an embedded system :
Yes that's true  a computer or a laptop is not an embedded system because a computer can carry out many tasks such as calculations, processing, internet, sending mails, playing games, music, image processing, etc. Whereas an embedded system has its property that it is designed to do a particular task.

So I hope you have got an introduction to embedded systems ;
Continue reading    MICROCONTROLLERS AND 8051 FAMILY


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Himanshu Dureja is an engineering student and part time blogger.