MICROCONTROLLERS TYPES CLASSIFIED

The microcontrollers are characterized regarding bus-width, instruction set, and memory
structure. For the same family, there may be different forms with different sources. We
explore some of the basic types of microcontroller that users may not know about.

The types of the microcontroller are characterized by their :

▪ bits
▪ memory architecture
▪ memory/devices
▪ instruction set

1.0 Microcontrollers Types According to the Number of Bits

The bits in the microcontroller are 8-bits, 16-bits, and 32-bits microcontroller.
In an 8-bit microcontroller, the point when the internal bus is 8-bit then the ALU
performs the arithmetic and logic operations. The examples of 8-bit microcontrollers
are Intel 8031/8051, PIC1x, and Motorola MC68HC11 families.

The 16-bit microcontroller performs greater precision and performance as

compared to the 8-bit. For example, 8-bit microcontrollers can only use 8 bits,
resulting in a final range of 0×00 – 0xFF (0-255) for every cycle. In contrast, 16-
bit microcontrollers with their bit data width have a range of 0×0000 – 0xFFFF (0-
65535) for every cycle.

A longer timer’s most extreme worth can likely prove to be useful in certain
applications and circuits. It can automatically operate on two 16 bit numbers.
Some examples of the 16-bit microcontrollers are 16-bit MCUs are extended
8051XA, PIC2x, Intel 8096, and Motorola MC68HC12 families.

The 32-bit microcontroller uses the 32-bit instructions to perform the arithmetic
and logic operations. These are used in automatically controlled devices
including implantable medical devices, engine control systems, office machines,
appliances, and other types of embedded systems. Some examples are
Intel/Atmel 251 family, PIC3x.

2.0 Microcontrollers Types According to Memory Devices

The memory devices are divided into two types, they are
• Embedded memory microcontroller
• External memory microcontroller

2.1 Embedded Memory Microcontroller: When an embedded system has a

microcontroller unit that has all the functional blocks available on a chip is
called an embedded microcontroller. For example, 8051 having program &
data memory, I/O ports, serial communication, counters and timers and
interrupts on the chip is an embedded microcontroller.

2.1 External Memory Microcontroller: When an embedded system has a

microcontroller unit that has not all the functional blocks available on a chip is
called an external memory microcontroller. For example, 8031 has no
program memory on the chip is an external memory microcontroller.
3.0 Microcontrollers Types According to Instruction Set

3.1 CISC: CISC is a Complex Instruction Set Computer. It allows the programmer
to use one instruction in place of many simpler instructions.

3.2 RISC: The RISC stands for Reduced Instruction set Computer, this type of
instruction sets reduces the design of microprocessor for industry standards.
It allows each instruction to operate on any register or use any addressing
mode and simultaneous access of program and data.

4.0 Microcontrollers Types According to Memory Architecture

The memory architecture of microcontroller are two types, they are namely:
• Harvard memory architecture microcontroller
• Princeton memory architecture microcontroller

4.1 Harvard Memory Architecture Microcontroller: The point when a

microcontroller unit has a dissimilar memory address space for the program
and data memory, the microcontroller has Harvard memory architecture in the
processor.

4.2 Princeton Memory Architecture Microcontroller: The point when a

microcontroller has a common memory address for the program memory and
data memory, the microcontroller has Princeton memory architecture in the
processor.

ADVANTAGES OF MICROCONTROLLERS TYPES

The advantages of microcontrollers types include the following.

• Dependable
• Reusable
• Energy-efficient
• Cost-effective
• Reusable
• It requires less time to operate
• These are flexible & very small
• Because of their high integration, its size & cost of the system can be decreased.
• Interfacing of the microcontroller is easy with additional ROM, RAM & I/O ports.
• Many tasks can be performed, so the human effect can be reduced.
• It is simple to use, troubleshooting & maintaining the system is simple.
• It works like a microcomputer without any digital parts
DISADVANTAGES OF MICROCONTROLLERS TYPES

The disadvantages of the microcontrollers types include the following.

• Programming Complexity
• Electrostatic Sensitivity
• Interfacing with high-power devices cannot possible.
• Its structure is more complex as compared with microprocessors.
• Generally, it is used in microdevices
• It simply performs incomplete no. of executions simultaneously.
• It is generally used in micro equipment
• It has a more complex structure as compared to a microprocessor
• The microcontroller cannot interface a higher power device directly
• It only performed a limited number of executions simultaneously

APPLICATIONS OF MICROCONTROLLERS TYPES

Microcontrollers are mainly used for embedded devices, in contrast to the microprocessors
which are utilized in personal computers otherwise other devices. These are mainly used in
different appliances like implantable medical devices, power tools, engine control systems in
automobiles, machines used in offices, appliances controlled through remote, toys, etc. The
main applications of microcontrollers types include the following.

• Automobiles
• Hand-held metering systems
• Mobile Phones
• Computer Systems
• Security Alarms
• Appliances
• Current meter
• Cameras
• Micro Oven
• Measurement Instruments
• Devices for process control
• Used in metering & measurement devices, voltmeter, measuring rotating objects
• Controlling Devices
• Industrial instrumentation devices

This is all about an overview of microcontrollers types. These Microcontrollers are single-
chip microcomputers and the technology used for its fabrication is VLSI.

These are also known as embedded controllers which are available in 4-bit, 8-bit,64-bit, and
128-bit.

This chip is designed to control different embedded system functions.