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Microcontrollers as process devices

provide and give intelligence to products and systems. From mobile phones to washing machines, many everyday products are controlled by these devices.

Microcontrollers

A microcontroller is an example of a single board computer (SBC) and is manufactured as an . It can be to perform different processing functions.

Microcontrollers come in different sizes with varying numbers of for the connection of input and - for example, 8 pin, 14 pin and 18 pin. A is an example of a microcontroller that is widely used.

A collection of black microcontrollers of varying sizes and length of pins.
Image caption,
Microcontrollers in different sizes with varying numbers of pins

Advantages and disadvantages of using microcontrollers

Advantages

  • The size of a circuit can be significantly reduced. This is because programming replaces physical components.
  • They can be reprogrammed many times. This allows changes to be made without replacing actual components.
  • They have pins for connecting several input and output devices, adding to flexibility.

Disadvantages

  • They often cost more than traditional integrated circuits. They are therefore not always the best option for simple systems.
  • Programming software and hardware is required. This can be expensive to buy.
  • The language of the system must be learned and this adds to training costs.