Chapter 33

Microprocessor and Microcontroller Overview

Mike Tooley

Many of today’s complex electronic systems are based on the use of a microprocessor or microcontroller. Such systems comprise hardware that is controlled by software. If it is necessary to change the way that the system behaves it is the software (rather than the hardware) that is changed.

In this chapter we provide an introduction to microprocessors and explain, in simple terms, both how they operate and how they are used. We shall start by explaining some of the terminology that is used to describe different types of system that involve the use of a microprocessor or a similar device.

33.1 Microprocessor Systems

Microprocessor systems are usually assembled on a single PCB comprising ...

Get Circuit Design: Know It All now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.