Micro-controllers and control kits for Robotics
| Micro-controllers: A microcontroller (also microcontroller unit, MCU or µC) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit consisting of a relatively simple CPU combined with support functions such as a crystal oscillator, timers, watchdog, serial and analog I/O etc. Program memory in the form of NOR flash or OTP ROM is also often included on chip, as well as a, typically small, read/write memoryEmbedded Systems Dictionary" by Microcontrollers are designed for small or dedicated applications. Thus, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers and other high-performance or general purpose applications, simplicity is emphasized. Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, and toys. By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes. Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating analog components needed to control non-digital electronic systems. Microcontroller programs must fit in the available on-chip program memory, since it would be costly to provide a system with external, expandable, memory. Compilers and assembly language are used to turn high-level language programs into a compact machine code for storage in the microcontroller's memory. Depending on the device, the program memory may be permanent, read-only memory that can only be programmed at the factory, or program memory may be field-alterable flash or erasable read-only memory. Microcontrollers were originally programmed only in assembly language, but various high-level programming languages are now also in common use to target microcontrollers. These languages are either designed specially for the purpose, or versions of general purpose languages such as the C programming language. Compilers for general purpose languages will typically have some restrictions as well as enhancements to better support the unique characteristics of microcontrollers. Some microcontrollers have environments to aid developing certain types of applications. Microcontroller vendors often make tools freely available to make it easier to adopt their hardware. Common micro-controllers: 1. PIC microcontroller (Microchip): http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=74 2. 68HC11 microcontroller (Motorola): http://www.hc11.demon.nl/thrsim11/68hc11/ 3. 8051 microcontroller (Atmel): http://www.atmel.com/products/8051/ Microcontroller kits: A microcontroller kit is an electronic board based on a relatively simple CPU combined with voltage regulator, crystal oscillator, current drivers, logic gates, RF unit, digital and analog electronic components and inputs and outputs so that it could be wired to sensors, motors, and a computer in order to program it. The microcontroller kit usually comes with a simple computer software which enables to program the microcontroller in the kit in a high level programing language or in a graphic interface. Microcontrollers kits are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toys and students laboratories. Microcontrollers kits make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes. Depending on the kit, the program memory may be permanent, program memory may be field-alterable flash or erasable read-only memory. The kits may also have external memory components which are addressed by the microcontroller when necessary Common micro-controllers kits: 1. Physlink microcontroller kit: http://www.physlink.com/estore/cart/MicrocontrollerKit.cfm 2. Nerdkids microcontroller kit: http://www.nerdkits.com/ 3. MDK-ARM microcontroller kit: http://www.keil.com/arm/mdk.asp back to robotics part list |
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