An MCU is a small computer that contains one or more CPUs (processing cores), memory, and programmable input/output peripherals on a single integrated circuit. These tiny chips are an affordable and popular product responsible for data acquisition, sensing, and control of the physical world.
MCUs are used in a variety of systems, from automotive engine controls and implantable medical devices to remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toys, and other embedded systems. They act as a bridge between the real world and the physical world, enabling communication protocols and hardware abstraction layers to interact and run the systems necessary for device operation.
Common Features of Microcontrollers
Microcontrollers provide powerful functionality in a tiny package and are the brains of choice for embedded devices. Regardless of the architecture, all MCUs have a few things in common:
MCU core architecture based on bit length: The number of bits (8, 16, 32) used by the MCU (sometimes called bit depth or data width). The number of bits of a CPU refers to the number of binary digits that the CPU can store and process at the same time, which corresponds to the number of bits in the registers in the CPU. Simply put, the registers of an 8-bit MCU are 8 bits, but the width of the address bus can be different from the CPU word length. For example, the 8086 in the first generation PC is a 16-bit CPU, but the address bus is 20 bits, which can support a maximum of 1MB (2²⁰ Byte) of memory.
Memory: MCUs have two types of memory. Program memory (Flash) stores the code that runs on the MCU, while data memory (RAM) stores the data used by the code.
Peripherals and communication interfaces: These built-in interfaces enable the microcontroller to interact with the outside world, such as sensing temperature or controlling a motor.
Security: MCU security is critical to protecting firmware intellectual property, protecting private data within the device, and ensuring service execution.
What is an 8-bit MCU?
8-bit MCUs have been at the heart of embedded development since the 1980s and continue to play an important role in IoT development even as 32-bit architectures become more prevalent. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of modern 8-bit MCUs ensure that they will remain a key device for engineers for many years to come.
Here are some examples of popular 8-bit MCU architectures:
PIC: Developed in 1975 by General Instruments, now owned by Microchip, the PIC chip powers countless toys, remote controls, and affordable gadgets.
AVR: Developed by Atmel and now owned by Microchip, AVR chips are popular with hobbyists and professionals alike and are at the heart of the Arduino boards, making electronics accessible to everyone. They are a catalyst for innovation and are widely used in embedded systems.
8051: Developed by Intel in 1980, a true veteran, the 8051 has thrived in industrial applications and medical equipment, highlighting the enduring appeal of simplicity and reliability.
Advantages of 8-bit MCUs
Cost: 8-bit MCUs are affordable and are ideal for budget-conscious projects and hobbyist experiments.
Power consumption: 8-bit MCUs are much simpler than 32-bit MCUs, making them ideal for simple applications where power consumption is critical.
Code size: 8-bit MCUs have a smaller code footprint and are suitable for applications that do not require much memory.
Ease of use: 8-bit MCUs are easy to learn and use. With readily available development tools and online communities, users can start coding right away.
Availability: 8-bit MCUs are readily available, with a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you are building a simple robot or a smart home sensor, an 8-bit MCU can bring your ideas to life.
Disadvantages of 8-bit MCUs
Although 8-bit microcontrollers are popular due to their affordability and compact size, they do have some limitations compared to higher-bit microcontrollers.
Limited Memory Space: One of the major drawbacks of 8-bit microcontrollers is the limited memory space, which can make it challenging to perform complex tasks or process large amounts of data.
Processing speed: Due to their restricted instruction set, 8-bit MCUs may be limited in their ability to perform complex tasks or process large amounts of data. This can be a significant disadvantage for applications that require real-time processing or high-speed data transfer.
Let’s take a look at 32-bit MCUs
32-bit MCUs excel at handling complex tasks, processing large amounts of data, and supporting advanced algebra and floating-point calculations. Here are some examples of popular 32-bit MCU architectures:
ARM Cortex-M: The ARM Cortex-M series is a family of 32-bit microcontrollers designed for embedded systems. They are the power behind smartphones, drones, and wearable devices.
PIC32: The PIC32 microcontroller is a family of 32-bit microcontrollers developed by Microchip. From industrial automation to robotics, the PIC32 can handle tough tasks efficiently.
AVR32: AVR32 is a 32-bit microcontroller architecture developed by Atmel that brings the user-friendly AVR world into the 32-bit realm, making it perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike.
RISC-V: RISC-V is an open source architecture (ISA) and the latest development in the RISC architecture family. It is designed to be simple, modular, and scalable. The RISC-V architecture is becoming increasingly popular due to its open source nature, which allows for greater flexibility and customization. RISC-V MCUs are widely used in a variety of applications, including embedded systems, IoT devices, and high-performance computing.
Advantages of 32-bit MCUs
32-bit microcontrollers offer several advantages over 8-bit microcontrollers. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Processing power: 32-bit MCUs are designed to deliver high performance and power efficiency. They are faster and more powerful than their 8-bit and 16-bit counterparts, but still energy efficient. 32-bit MCUs can support larger RAM and Flash, as well as higher clock speeds. This makes them ideal for applications that require high-performance computing, such as FFT calculations, high-quality audio or video, high-resolution image processing, and various edge computing applications.
Memory: A 32-bit memory bus provides a wider data path than an 8-bit memory bus, enabling it to transfer more data in a single clock cycle. This results in faster data transfer rates and improved overall system performance, allowing us to save high-resolution images, complex algorithms, and even entire operating systems.
Peripherals: 32-bit MCUs have multiple advantages in terms of peripherals. They offer more advanced communication interfaces such as UART, USB, Ethernet, CAN, SDMMC, integrated LCD controllers, etc. These peripherals are essential for many modern applications such as IoT devices, automotive systems, and industrial automation. 32-bit MCUs also offer more advanced ADCs, DACs, advanced timers, programmable counters, and high-precision internal RC oscillators, etc.
Code efficiency: 32-bit MCUs can pack more instructions into each cycle, resulting in faster execution and lower power consumption. This is because they can process more bits of data per clock cycle, which means they can do more with fewer resources. In addition, 32-bit MCUs can achieve superior code efficiency, which means that smaller programs can be used to perform complex operations.
Availability of libraries and drivers: Having ready access to a wide range of libraries and well-maintained drivers is essential for efficient software development and seamless hardware integration. When developers can leverage existing libraries and drivers, it can significantly increase productivity and help create powerful applications that provide a better user experience.
Disadvantages of 32-bit MCUs
Although 32-bit microcontrollers dominate in terms of functionality and versatility, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consider the following trade-offs before committing to one for your project:
Power consumption: The added complexity of 32-bit architectures makes achieving optimal low-power operation much more complex than with simple 8-bit MCUs. Developers may need to manage more complex energy states and make peripheral trade-offs to achieve similar power consumption metrics.
Complexity: 32-bit MCUs are more complex than 8-bit MCUs, which makes them more difficult to program and debug.
Code size: For less complex operations, the code for 32-bit MCUs may be larger than that for 8-bit MCUs, which may be a disadvantage for applications with limited memory. However, code size depends largely on the code optimization tools used for product development.
Choosing the right MCU
In the field of embedded development, choosing the right processor platform is crucial. Both 8-bit and 32-bit MCUs can meet different challenges and have a place in modern IoT development.
When it comes to affordability and efficiency, 8-bit MCUs are the champions! They are cost-effective and compact, making them ideal for simple tasks like wireless IoT sensors. Their superior power efficiency compared to 32-bit MCUs also makes them a top choice for battery-powered devices.
On the other hand, 32-bit MCUs offer more processing power and memory than 8-bit MCUs. This makes them more suitable for applications that require higher performance and more memory. However, this comes with increased complexity.
So who wins in the IoT space? For basic tasks and budget constraints, 8-bit MCUs work. However, when powerful performance is needed to perform intensive tasks, 32-bit MCUs are more suitable.
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