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MCU, or Microcontroller Unit, is a highly integrated chip that contains a processor, memory, input/output interfaces, etc., and is widely used in various embedded systems. This article will delve into the internal architecture and program operation principles of the MCU.

MCU internal architecture

The internal architecture of an MCU usually includes the following main parts:

1. Processor: The core part of MCU, responsible for executing instructions and processing data. Depending on application requirements, MCU processors can be of different types, such as 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, etc.
2. Memory: used to store program code and data. The memory of MCU is usually divided into ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory) and Flash (flash memory). ROM stores fixed data, such as program code; RAM stores runtime data; Flash stores erasable and programmable data.
3. Input/output interface (I/O interface): MCU has a series of input/output pins for communication and control with external devices. These pins can be configured as needed to implement different functions, such as GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output), UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), etc.
4. Interrupt Controller: The interrupt controller is responsible for processing internal and external interrupt requests of the MCU. When an interrupt occurs, the interrupt controller notifies the processor for processing.
5. Clock Generator: used to generate system clock signals to provide a time base for the normal operation of the MCU.
6. Timer/Counter (Timer/Counter): A timer/counter is a hardware resource used to generate timing/counting functions. It can generate interrupts or trigger specific actions at predetermined intervals.
7. Debug Interface: An interface used to develop and debug MCU. By connecting to a debugger, developers can monitor the running status of the program in real time, set breakpoints, single-step execution and other operations.

How the program works

The program operation principle of MCU can be summarized as the following steps:

1. Writing program code: Developers use specific programming languages (such as C language, assembly language, etc.) to write program codes to implement specific functions and logic.
2. Compile program code: Compile the written program code through a compiler to generate machine code that can be executed by the MCU. A compiler converts a high-level language into a low-level language so that the MCU can understand and execute it.
3. Download the machine code to the MCU: Download the generated machine code into the memory of the MCU through the debugging interface. During this process, developers usually need to set breakpoints, monitor variables and other operations to debug the program.
4. Run the program: When the MCU is powered on, its processor reads the machine code from the memory and executes it. The program code runs according to predetermined logic and implements corresponding functions.
5. Interrupt processing: During program running, interrupt requests may be encountered. The interrupt controller is responsible for receiving and processing these interrupt requests. Depending on the type of interrupt, the processor will temporarily stop the execution of the current task and instead handle the interrupt request. After handling the interrupt, the processor returns to the interrupted task and continues execution.
6. I/O operation: MCU communicates and controls external devices through input/output interfaces. As needed, the MCU can read the status of the external device or output control signals to the external device. These operations can be configured and controlled through software.
7. Timing/counting operations: Timers/counters can generate interrupts or trigger specific operations within a predetermined time interval. These operations can be used to implement functions such as timing control and counting.
8. Loop execution: During the running of the program, there are usually code segments that are executed in a loop. These code segments are continuously executed in a loop according to predetermined logic to achieve continuous data processing and control functions.

The internal architecture of MCU and the operating principle of the program are related to each other. By in-depth understanding of these principles, developers can better apply MCUs for the design and development of embedded systems.

What parts does the external interface part of MCU include?

The external interface part of the MCU mainly includes the following parts:

1. GPIO interface: The GPIO interface is the most basic input/output interface in MCU. It can be used to connect various peripherals, such as sensors, actuators, displays, etc. The GPIO interface enables control and monitoring of peripherals through simple binary signal input/output.
2. UART interface: The UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) interface is a universal serial communication interface that can implement asynchronous serial communication between microcontrollers and other devices. The UART interface supports data transmission and reception and is typically used for serial communication with other devices.
3. SPI interface: SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) interface is a synchronous serial communication interface that can achieve high-speed data transmission between microcontrollers and other devices. The SPI interface supports communication between multiple master devices and slave devices, and is usually used to communicate with external memories, sensors, and other devices.
4. I2C interface: The I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) interface is a universal serial communication interface that can achieve half-duplex serial communication between microcontrollers and other devices. The I2C interface supports communication between multiple devices and is usually used to communicate with external sensors, chips and other devices.

In addition to the above common interfaces, MCU also supports a variety of other external interfaces, such as CAN bus interface, LIN bus interface, MODBUS protocol interface, etc. These interfaces can be selected and used according to specific application requirements.

MCU microcontroller manufacturing company

Fumax Electronic Manufacturing Services provides MCU microcontroller manufacturing, MCU microcontroller manufacturing companies refer to companies that produce and supply microcontrollers. Fumax provides various types of microcontrollers, such as 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, etc., suitable for various application fields.
Products usually have the advantages of high performance, low power consumption, and ease of programming and use.

Recommended well-known MCU microcontroller manufacturing companies

Some well-known MCU microcontroller manufacturing companies include Intel, Fumax, NXP, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, etc.

Provides microcontroller products, development tools, software libraries and solutions to help developers use and integrate microcontrollers more easily.