1. A microcontroller is a very small chip that is essentially a computer system. These small but useful chips have inside it a processor, memory and programmable input, output peripherals. A huge advantage to using a microcontroller is not only because it has resourceful features but it uses very little power consumption (Milliwatts). They are used in a wide range of appliances ranging from car engines to kids toys. Typical input/output devices include switches, LED’s, LCD displays and sensors. Due to their small design and literally no need to interact with microcontrollers they usually have no keyboard, screen or printers etc. They are usually programmed using a computer which defines how it interacts with the input/output peripherals and then inserted into the circuit. Another outstanding feature is that some microcontrollers can be programmed up to 100,000 times meaning that no matter how many times you want to upgrade the program it can be done without having to buy another microcontroller. Microcontrollers are special purpose computers, which means they do only one specific function well, this depends on the microcontroller being used and the program loaded onto it
2. Microcontrollers were made to save power and at the same time money as well as room. This is achieved by replacing a separate microprocessor, memory and input/output devices with this surprisingly small device, the microcontroller. Microcontrollers were first used in rockets, this made it possible to add accuracy in selecting and finding its targets as well as making it almost impossible to detect its location. Today microcontrollers are embedded into everyday machinery such as cars, phones, washing machines etc. There are many kits available that incorporate a microcontroller, for example the Beetle from Scorpio technology uses a microcontroller to control the micro switches and motors as well as its speed and functionality. If it wasn’t for this microcontroller it would be very difficult...