Hobbies And Interests
Speed
Depending on the type, microcontrollers operates at a clock rate of between 5 and 20 MHz. While this is slower than your desktop PC̵7;s microprocessor, the microcontroller is focused on one small task, making every clock cycle significant. Microcontrollers respond up to 1,000 times faster than mechanical control systems and can simultaneously monitor several rapidly changing inputs. This makes them well-suited for real-time monitoring and control.
Safety
In 2011, most vehicles now made have about a dozen microcontrollers, adding precision and sophistication to fuel injection systems, engine timing and climate control. They also enhance safety in stability control systems and anti-lock brakes. Here, a microcontroller continuously measures the rotation of all four wheels. If the driver has her foot on the brake, and one wheel is not spinning while the other ones are, the microcontroller carefully ̶0;pumps̶1; the brakes about 20 times per second. This allows the locked wheel to begin spinning and avoids putting the car into an uncontrolled skid.
All-in-One Packaging
The integration of a computer, memory and interface in the microcontroller's package greatly simplifies the design, construction and testing of automated systems. Time that a electronics designer previously spent getting different parts to work together she can now use for programming and testing. Microcontroller-based automated systems have fewer parts, reducing costs and improving reliability.
Low Cost
The cost of microcontrollers is well within the budget of the average hobbyist. The IC itself is a few dollars; development systems and kits start at less than $100. Microcontroller chips are inexpensive enough to add to toys and small appliances. Because it is driven by software, each microcontroller can replace the functionality of dozens to hundreds of traditional electronic and mechanical components, reducing a system̵7;s costs. Microcontrollers also save money on product upgrades and enhancements, as an engineering team can accomplish many of these by keeping the same hardware and updating the software.