Bits are the 1s and 0s that form the basis of digital information. A group of 8 bits is a byte and forms the basis of digital computing. Bits and bytes are used for storing and processing information as well as other functions in a digital IC. This FAQ begins with a brief review of […]
8-bit
8-, 16- and 32-bit MCUs…are more bits better?
Are more bits better in an MCU? That’s similar to asking: are more cylinders better in an internal combustion engine (ICE)? Peripherals and other features matter, not just bits (or cylinders). For example, in the 1980s, Volvo offered a station wagon with a turbo-V4 engine that was faster off the line than Chevrolet Corvette with […]
8-bits and counting: 8-bit MCUs are still going strong
Microcontroller units (MCUs) never stop evolving; a more functional, featured MCU follows every model. Embedded systems have grown with continually growing MCU technology, yet there are many traditional MCUs that are still selling in high volumes. Atmel 8051 is one of those legendary MCUs which have developed a considerable demand in the market. The Atmel […]
Extended-temperature ethernet PHY transceiver targets aero, military apps
Aircraft, military vehicles, and ground-based systems that rely on intelligence, information, and secure connectivity to support mission success are enabled by enhanced technology designed to operate in extreme temperatures and environmental events. Microchip Technology Inc. announced its new VSC8540/41ET Gigabit Ethernet PHY RMII / RGMII Transceiver – a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS)-based device upgraded for avionics and military applications. Based […]
Microcontroller Top Talks in September 2019 on EDABoard.com
Peer-to-peer, engineer-to-engineer questions and answers from the EDABoard.com engineering community around microcontrollers. Click the “Read more” link and follow the entire conversation and maybe add your two cents by logging in to EDAboard.com. ADC simultaneous sampling of 4 channels – I am referring to the dspic33EP256MC506 and ADC module. There is a configuration for simultaneous […]
Microcontroller Top Talks in June 2019 on EDABoard.com
Peer-to-peer, engineer-to-engineer questions and answers from the EDABoard.com engineering community around microcontrollers. Click the “Read more” link and follow the entire conversation and maybe add your two cents by logging in to EDAboard.com. PIC 16f877A interrupt – I have been working on a project of Over current relay using PIC 16f877A controller in which I […]
Microcontroller Top Talks in May 2019 on EDABoard.com
Peer-to-peer, engineer-to-engineer questions and answers from the EDABoard.com engineering community around microcontrollers. Click the “Read more” link and follow the entire conversation and maybe add your two cents by logging in to EDAboard.com. Smart agriculture with Arduino – I have a tree, and I want to sense the soil moisture from the surface up to […]
LoRaWAN security design tips: Designing with a stand-alone security chip
With the growth of the Internet of Things, cyber attacks are increasing at an alarming rate (Figure 1). Key provisioning, a process of key generation and device authentication, is a critical part of establishing security. Whoever holds the key will be able to access the payloads, i.e. the valuable data stored in the application server(s). […]
Development board carries three 8-bit MCUs for prototyping
For less than $10, the STM8-SO8-DISCO 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) Discovery Kit from STMicroelectronics lets users evaluate all three STM8 variants currently available in the popular 8-pin SO8 package. As well as outstanding three-in-one value, the kit offers no-frills simplicity and features to jump-start the next stage of development. There is a single button and indicator LED for […]
8-bit MCU combines DMA controller, separated data EEPROM, six user I/Os
STMicroelectronics is boosting feature integration in low-cost, low-power 8-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) with the new STM8L050. As the latest in the ultra-energy-conscious STM8L series, it embeds rich analog peripherals, a DMA controller, and separated data EEPROM, all in an inexpensive SO-8 package with up to six user I/Os. Leveraging ST’s powerful, efficient STM8 core running at up to 16 MHz, the […]
