CHAPTER 1

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A Brief History of Microcontrollers

Although it’s not essential that you understand how microcontrollers developed to the point where they are today, it’s an interesting story, which can help you understand where an AVR microcontroller fits into the overall hierarchy of information technology (IT) and electronics products. More important, by having such an understanding you can make better choices and decisions about when and where to use a microcontroller, in preference to other alternatives.

If you open up a CD player or a VCR from the 1980s (perhaps you have one in the attic, or in your garage, I know I do!) you will find that they ...

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