The advent of complex electrical systems, applications, and
processing requirements has led to a significant increase in the use
of microcontrollers. Microcontrollers are used in several types of
electrical networks ranging from air conditioners to airplane
navigation systems to cell phones to digital watches. In particular,
the use of microcontrollers in automobiles is significantly important
for managing automotive electronics. For instance, a typical Ford
vehicle uses 25 to 35 electronic control units (ECUs) for managing
the electrical systems and electronics of the automobile.
Aspects of Microcontrollers: http://bit.ly/2aYst5u
Q. How is the Internet of Things (IoT) influencing the development
of microcontroller technology?
A. At present, 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) have become the device
of choice phasing out the humble 8-bit device used previously.
However, the Internet of Things is bringing a radical change in the
technological development of MCUs. Thus, MCUs that are targeted to
function in coherence with IoT are being designed and developed to
offer wireless connectivity.
Of the three key elements of IoT, it is the edge devices and fusion
devices of IoT that MCU developers are currently focused on. This is
because minimal power consumption and the least possible cost are the
two key requisites that IoT demands in the bid for the tiniest
devices to be smart and connected. The use of ultra-low power
microcontrollers is characteristic of extreme power management for
the successful IoT operation, which employs a small battery for the
entire lifetime of the device.
Therefore, the flexibility of microcontroller sleep modes to decrease
current draw or inactivate unused circuitry has been instrumental in
considerable energy savings. This helps to keep up with the
increasing importance of energy management in IoT applications.
Q. In which direction is the industry progressing in
developing microcontrollers for modern day applications?
A. In a recent industry development, Microchip Technology Inc. has
announced its lowest energy and most cost-effective class of 32-bit
PIC32 microcontrollers. With a big leap from the company’s popular
PIC32MX and PIC24FXLP class of microcontrollers, Microchip’s
PIC32MM class offers distinguishing features. PIC32 MCUs are equipped
with core independent peripherals and have the design capability to
unload the central processing unit for lower power and lower system
design.
Q. How is the industrial segment contributing to the growth of the
microcontrollers market?
A. As industrial communication systems head towards automation, a
large number of standards are in place and are further expected to
grow with the emergence of industrial Ethernet. The use of
microcontrollers provide peripherals and internal system architecture
needed for the efficient interface between the product and the major
field busses and industrial Ethernet standards.
In addition, in product life-cycles, the need for agility and
flexibility in the industrial ecosystem is on the rise. The use of
microcontrollers supports extensive feedback control mechanisms and
advanced sensors, thereby enabling industrial automation. These
products can carry out complex control operations and are inserted in
applications that require robust processing capabilities.
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