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microcontroller

microcontroller

3 5.5
A small computer on one chip that controls electronic devices
  • noun
  • /ˈmaɪkroʊkənˌtroʊlər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : microcontrolador
  • There are small weather stations designed for microcontrollers like the Basic Stamp (by Parallax, Inc.; www.parallax.com).
  • microcontroller to control
  • microcontroller software
  • microcontroller system

Specifically, a Picomite runs MMM BASIC, which was written by Jeff Graham for the Micromite microcontrollers and Maximite computers.

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Examples

  • Fortunately, 320x240 LCDs with touch screens and microcontrollers can be had cheaply on eBay.

    Blog text (26)
  • The sponsor specified an Atmel 8-bit microcontroller, which can only be programmed using either C or Assembly language.

    Academic text (2009)
  • The addition of a microcontroller with customized software and appropriate communication protocols can reduce security and interference concerns.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Here, the proposed system uses a microcontroller to work with the control environment; it is an efficient, low-error, and low-cost system.

    Academic text (2014)
  • Students program microcontrollers to control a stoplight using computer simulation software.

    Academic text (2007)
  • On board the Arduino Due is an Atmel-sourced ARM Cortex M3 microcontroller running at 84 MHz.

    Blog text (26)
  • Pitch and yaw motions are translated by a microcontroller into left/right and up/down motions of the cursor.

    Academic text (1994)
  • A microcontroller is used in many household devices to manage their functions efficiently.

  • The engineer designed a new robot using a microcontroller that allows for precise movements.

  • Many toys now incorporate a microcontroller to control lights, sounds, and interactions.

How Powerful

microprocessor
  • Specialized
17 4.2
microcontroller
  • Specialized
3 5.5
timer
155 1.6

Surface Forms

Morphology

microcontroller = controller (semi-transparent) = micro + control + er

The form is clear as micro- plus controller, but the computing-specific device sense is somewhat technical.

Etymology

The word microcontroller comes from two parts: micro- meaning 'small', seen in words like microphone and microscope, and controller meaning 'to control'. So a microcontroller is a 'small controller', a tiny computer that controls electronic devices.