Unit – 5

Advance Microcontrollers

By:
Bhishan D. Wadhai
Lecturer
Department of Electrical Engineering
Government Polytechnic, Nagpur
 Agenda
1. RISC and CISC Processors Comparison
2. ARM microcontroller : features and applications
3. PIC microcontroller : features and applications
4. AVR microcontroller: features, Type (Classic, Mega, Tiny),
Simplified View of AVR.
5. Comparison between PIC, AVR, ARM processors
RISC and CISC Processor Comparison
RISC and CISC are two different types of computer architectures that are used to design
the microprocessors that are found in computers. The fundamental difference between
RISC and CISC is that RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) includes simple
instructions and takes one cycle, while the CISC (Complex Instruction Set
Computer) includes complex instructions and takes multiple cycles.
What is RISC?
In the RISC architecture, the instruction set of the computer system is simplified to
reduce the execution time. RISC architecture has a small set of instructions that generally
includes register-to-register operations.
The RISC architecture uses comparatively a simple instruction format that is easy to
decode. The instruction length can be fixed and aligned to word boundaries. RISC
processors can execute only one instruction per clock cycle.
The following are some important characteristics of a RISC Processor −
1. A RISC processor has a few instructions.
2. RISC processor has a few addressing modes.
3. In the RISC processor, all operations are performed within the registers of the CPU.
4. RISC processor can be of fixed-length.
5. RISC can be hardwired rather than micro-programmed control.
6. RISC is used for single-cycle instruction execution.
7. RISC processor has easily decodable instruction format.
RISC architectures are characterized by a small, simple instruction set and a highly
efficient execution pipeline. This allows RISC processors to execute instructions quickly,
but it also means that they can only perform a limited number of tasks.
What is CISC?
The CISC architecture comprises a complex instruction set. A CISC processor has a
variable-length instruction format. In this processor architecture, the instructions that
require register operands can take only two bytes.
In a CISC processor architecture, the instructions which require two memory addresses
can take five bytes to comprise the complete instruction code. Therefore, in a CISC
processor, the execution of instructions may take a varying number of clock cycles. The
CISC processor also provides direct manipulation of operands that are stored in the
memory.
The primary objective of the CISC processor architecture is to support a single machine
instruction for each statement that is written in a high-level programming language.
The following are the important characteristics of a CISC processor architecture −
1. CISC can have variable-length instruction formats.
2. It supports a set of a large number of instructions, typically from 100 to 250
instructions.
3. It has a large variety of addressing modes, typically from 5 to 20 different modes.
4. CISC has some instructions which perform specialized tasks and are used
infrequently.
CISC architectures have a large, complex instruction set and a less efficient execution
pipeline. This allows CISC processors to perform a wider range of tasks, but they are not
as fast as RISC processors when executing instructions.

Difference between RISC and CISC

The following table highlights all the important differences between RISC and CISC
architectures −
ARM microcontroller : Features and Applications
INTRODUCTION TO ARM MICROCONTROLLER
The RISC architecture, a widely used computer arrangement, is the foundation of the
ARM, which is an acronym for Advanced RISC Machine.
It is a 32-bit module that was developed in 1987 by Acron computers.This board is
made by ST Microelectronics and Motorola, two separate MCU manufacturers.
This module is divided into various categories, such as ARMv1 and ARMv2, and each
category offers a unique set of features.
It employs fewer transistors since it was built using RISC, or a reduced instruction set,
which helps to minimise the physical size of the integrated circuit.
This type is small enough to fit on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets,
and other handheld gadgets.
Different types of controllers, like the LPC2148, can be created by combining an ARM
with random access memory and read-only memory.
ARCHITECTURE OF ARM MICROCONTROLLER

This board has a RISC load-store architecture for the ARM controller. This board uses
a variety of register types, which facilitates the handling of memory.
The board uses a series of instructions, but its primary purpose is to cut down on the
amount of time needed for each instruction.
The cortex M3 processor, which is high-speed and thirty-two bits, is employed in the
ARM controller and offers consumers a variety of capabilities.
This board's Harward design uses
separate data and instruction buses to
send data to read-only and random
access memories, respectively.
Three-stage pipeline is utilised for
command execution, obtaining, and
decoding.
The CPU on this board uses thumb
commands based on thumb two
approaches, which reduces the amount
of programme memory required and
ensures a higher coding density.
Given that this model has a thirty-two-
bit architecture, commands can be
executed more quickly.
FEAUTURES OF ARM MICROCONTROLLER
Low Power Consumption: Because ARM microcontrollers are made to use
little power, they are perfect for battery-operated products. To reduce power
usage, they employ power-saving strategies including clock gating and power
gating.
High processing power: ARM microcontrollers are renowned for having a lot
of processing power, which makes them perfect for high performance
applications. They are capable of processing large amounts of data rapidly and
effectively.
Flexibility: ARM microcontrollers are highly flexible and can be programmed
to carry out a variety of functions. I2C, SPI, UART, USB, Ethernet, and CAN
are just a few of the interfaces and communication protocols they support.
Ease development: Development is simple for ARM microcontrollers because
to the availability of a wide range of development tools and software. They are
often created using the industry-standard programming languages C or C++.
Cost-effectiveness: ARM microcontrollers are inexpensive, which makes them
a great option for embedded systems that are produced in large quantities.
They provide a great level of performance at a reasonable price.
APPLICATIONS OF ARM MICROCONTROLLER
1. Automotive Systems: ARM microcontrollers are frequently used in
automotive systems, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS),
powertrain control modules, and engine control units (ECUs).

2. Industrial Automation: To operate machinery, monitor sensors, and carry out

other tasks, industrial automation systems use ARM microcontrollers.

3. Medical gadgets, such as glucose metres, blood pressure monitors, and heart
rate monitors, utilise ARM microcontrollers.

4. Consumer gadgets, including smartphones, tablets, and smart home

appliances, employ ARM microcontrollers.
PIC microcontroller : Features and Applications
PIC microcontroller is a type of microcontroller that is widely used in various
applications.
PIC microcontroller was developed in the year 1993 by microchip technology. PIC
stands for Peripheral Interface Controller. Initially this was developed for
supporting PDP computers to control its peripheral devices, and therefore, named as a
peripheral interface device. These microcontrollers are very fast and easy to execute a
program compared with other microcontrollers.
PIC microcontrollers are low-cost, fast, and easy to program, making them a popular
choice for embedded system design.
PIC microcontrollers are based on the Harvard architecture, which means they have
separate memories for program and data.
This enables fast execution of instructions and efficient use of memory.
PIC microcontrollers are available in different configurations, ranging from 8-bit to
32-bit, with various features such as timers, counters, I/O ports, and serial
communication.
Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, PIC microcontrollers offer a great
platform for developing embedded systems.
With their low cost, ease of use, and versatility, PIC microcontrollers have become a
popular choice for a wide range of applications, from simple sensor nodes to
complex real-time control systems.
What is a PIC Microcontroller?
PIC (Programmable Interface Controllers) microcontrollers are the worlds
smallest microcontrollers that can be programmed to carry out a huge range of
tasks.
These microcontrollers are found in many electronic devices such as phones,
computer control systems, alarm systems, embedded systems, etc.
Various types of microcontrollers exist, even though the best are found in the
GENIE range of programmable microcontrollers. These microcontrollers are
programmed and simulated by a circuit-wizard software.
Every PIC microcontroller architecture consists of some registers and stack where
registers function as Random Access Memory( RAM) and stack saves the return
addresses.
The main features of PIC microcontrollers are RAM, flash memory,
Timers/Counters, EEPROM, I/O Ports, USART, CCP (Capture/Compare/PWM
module), SSP, Comparator, ADC (analog to digital converter), PSP(parallel slave
port), LCD and ICSP (in circuit serial programming).
The 8-bit PIC microcontroller is classified into four types on the basis of internal
architecture such as Base Line PIC, Mid Range PIC, Enhanced Mid Range PIC and
PIC18.
PIC microcontroller : Features
The most common hardware interfacing features available on PIC microcontrollers.

1. GPIOs
General-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins are the most basic hardware interfacing
feature of PIC microcontrollers. GPIO pins can be configured as either inputs or
outputs and can be used to interface with a wide range of devices, including
sensors, switches, and LEDs.
PIC microcontrollers typically have multiple GPIO pins, which can
be controlled using software. These pins can be used to send or receive digital
signals, making them ideal for interfacing with digital devices.

2. Communication Protocols
PIC microcontrollers support a variety of communication protocols, including
UART, SPI, and I2C. These protocols allow PIC microcontrollers to communicate
with other devices, such as sensors, displays, and other microcontrollers.
UART is a serial communication protocol that is commonly used for
communication between a PIC microcontroller and a computer.
SPI and I2C are also serial communication protocols that are commonly used for
communication between microcontrollers and other devices.
3. Peripheral Integration
PIC microcontrollers also have built-in peripherals that can be used for hardware
interfacing.
These peripherals include analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog
converters (DACs), and pulse-width modulation (PWM) modules.
ADCs can be used to convert analog signals from sensors and other devices into digital
signals that can be processed by the microcontroller. DACs can be used to convert
digital signals into analog signals that can be used to control analog devices.
PWM modules can be used to generate signals with varying duty cycles, which can be
used to control motors and other devices.
These features make PIC microcontrollers ideal for a wide range of applications, from
simple sensor interfaces to complex control systems.

PIC microcontroller : Applications

The most common applications of PIC microcontrollers.
1. Consumer Electronics
PIC microcontrollers are widely used in consumer electronics such as televisions, DVD
players, and gaming consoles.
They are used to control various functions of these devices, such as the display, sound, and
input/output devices.
PIC microcontrollers are also used in remote controls to transmit signals to the device
being controlled.
2. Automotive Systems
PIC microcontrollers are used extensively in automotive systems,
including engine control units, airbag systems, and anti-lock braking systems.
They are used to control various functions of the vehicle, such as the engine,
transmission, and suspension systems.
PIC microcontrollers are also used in car audio systems to control the volume and
equalizer settings.

3. Industrial Automation
PIC microcontrollers are widely used in industrial automation systems, including
robotics, process control, and factory automation.
They are used to control various functions of the machines, such as the movement, speed,
and position of the robotic arm.
PIC microcontrollers are also used in sensors to detect various parameters such as
temperature, pressure, and humidity.
In conclusion, PIC microcontrollers have a wide range of applications in various
industries.

Reference: Link- https://www.watelectronics.com/pic-microcontroller-architecture-and-

applications/
AVR Microcontroller:
AVR microcontroller is a relatively new microcontroller introduced by Atmel,
whose distinctive features are high performance, high speed and low power
consumption. AVR microcontroller instructions are word-based, and most of them
are single-cycle instructions.

What is AVR Microcontroller

In 1997, Mr. Alf and Mr. Vegard of ATMEL's developed a high-speed 8-bit
microcontroller with RISC streamlined instruction set using ATMEL's new Flash
technology.

Features of AVR Microcontroller

Compared with other 8-Bit MCUs, the best features of AVR 8-Bit MCUs are

Harvard architecture with 1 MIPS / MHz high-speed operational processing

capability.
Super Functional Streamlined Instruction Set (RISC) with 32 general-purpose
working registers, overcoming the bottleneck caused by a single ACC for processing,
as in the 8051 MCU.
Fast access register set, single cycle instruction system, greatly optimized target code
size, execution efficiency, some models with very large FLASH, especially suitable
for development using high-level languages.
 Same as HI/LOW of PIC when used as output, can output 40mA (single output), can
be set as tri-state high impedance input or pull-up resistor input when used as input,
with the capability of 10mA - 20mA potting current.
On-chip integration of multiple frequency RC oscillators, automatic power-on reset,
watchdog, start-up delay and other functions, simpler peripheral circuits, more stable
and reliable systems.
Most AVRs are rich in on-chip resources: with E2PROM, PWM, RTC, SPI, UART,
TWI, ISP, AD, Analog Comparator, WDT, etc..
Most AVRs have IAP function in addition to ISP function, which is convenient for
upgrading or destroying applications.

AVR Microcontroller Applications

1. Easy to learn, low cost
The main reason for choosing AVR microcontroller is that the threshold for entering
AVR microcontroller development is very low, as long as you can operate a computer
you can learn AVR microcontroller development.
Also, AVR microcontroller is easy to upgrade. AVR program writing is directly on the
board to modify the program, burning and other operations, so it is easy to upgrade
the product. Again, AVR microcontroller is inexpensive.
2. High speed, low power consumption, confidentiality
AVR microcontroller has pre-fetch instruction function, that is, when executing an
instruction, pre-fetch the next instruction in, so that the instruction can be executed in
a clock cycle.
Multi-accumulator type, fast data processing speed. AVR microcontroller has 32
general-purpose working registers, which is equivalent to having 32 overpasses for
fast passage.
Interrupt response speed. AVR microcontroller has multiple fixed interrupt vector
entry address, which can respond to interrupt quickly.
AVR microcontroller consumes low energy. For typical power consumption case,
WDT is 100nA when off, which is more suitable for battery-powered application
devices. Some devices can operate at as low as 1.8V.
The AVR microcontroller has good secrecy performance. It has unbreakable bit
encryption lock Bit technology, the secrecy bit unit is hidden deep inside the chip and
cannot be seen by electron microscope.

3. Strong I/O port function, with A/D conversion and other circuits
The I/O port of AVR microcontroller is a real I/O port, which can correctly reflect the
real situation of I/O port input/output. Industrial-grade products, with high current
(filling current) 10 ~ 40mA, can directly drive silicon SSR or relay, saving peripheral
driver parts.
AVR microcontroller with analog comparator, I/O port can be used as A/D converter,
can be composed of inexpensive A/D converter. ATmega48/8/16 and other devices
have 8-way 10-bit A/D.
 Some AVR microcontrollers can form zero peripheral components microcontroller
system, so that this type of microcontroller can work without additional components,
simple and convenient, and low cost.
AVR microcontroller can reset the start reset, in order to improve the reliability of the
microcontroller work. There is a watchdog timer to implement security protection, to
prevent the program from going haywire (fly), improve the product's anti-interference
ability.

4. There is a powerful timer / counter and communication interface

Timer / counter T / C has 8-bit and 16-bit, can be used as a comparator. Counter
external interrupt and PWM (also can be used as D / A) for control output, some
models of AVR microcontroller has 3 to 4 PWM, is the ideal device for motor stepless
speed control.
AVR microcontroller has serial asynchronous communication UART interface, does
not occupy the timer and SPI synchronous transmission function, because it has high-
speed characteristics, so it can work in general standard integer frequency, and baud
rate up to 576K.
Comparison between PIC, AVR, ARM processors
PIC AVR ARM
32-bit mostly also
Bus width 8/16/32-bit 8/32-bit
available in 64-bit
UART, USART, LIN,
UART, USART, SPI,
PIC, UART, USART, I2C, SPI, CAN, USB,
Communication I2C, (special purpose
LIN, CAN, Ethernet, Ethernet, I2S, DSP,
Protocols AVR support CAN,
SPI, I2S SAI (serial audio
USB, Ethernet)
interface), IrDA
4 Clock/instruction 1 clock/ instruction 1 clock/ instruction
Speed cycle cycle cycle
Flash, SRAM, Flash, SDRAM,
Memory SRAM, FLASH
EEPROM EEPROM

ISA Some feature of RISC RISC RISC

Memory Von Neumann Modified Harvard

Modified
Architecture architecture architecture

Power Consumption Low Low Low

PIC16,PIC17, PIC18, Tiny, Atmega, Xmega,

Families PIC24, PIC32 special purpose AVR
ARMv4,5,6,7 and series
Comparison between PIC, AVR, ARM processors
PIC AVR ARM
Community Very Good Very Good Vast

Apple, Nvidia,
Manufacturer Microchip Average Atmel Qualcomm, Samsung
Electronics, and TI etc.

Cost Average Average Low

High speed operation,

Other Feature Cheap Cheap, effective
Vast

PIC18fXX8, LPC2148, ARM Cortex-

Popular Atmega8, 16, 32,
PIC16f88X, M0 to ARM Cortex-M7,
Microcontrollers Arduino Community
PIC32MXX etc.
Thank
You!