The relationship between embedded and microcontroller is as follows:
Embedded systems are a large category, of which microcontroller is an important subcategory. An embedded system is like a complete computer, while a microcontroller is more like a computer without peripherals.
Previously, microcontrollers didn't include much, and the hardware difference between the two was more obvious. However, with the rapid advancement of semiconductor technology, a variety of hardware functions can now be done into the microcontroller. Therefore, the hardware difference between embedded systems and microcontrollers is getting smaller and smaller, and the demarcation line is getting more and more fuzzy.
So, people tend to differentiate in software.
From the software, the industry often puts the chip without MMU (memory management unit, memory management unit) and thus does not support the virtual address, can only bare or run RTOS (real-time operating system, such as ucos, Huawei LiteOS, RT-Thread, freertos, etc.) System, called the microcontroller (e.g. STM32, NXP LPC series, NXP imxRT1052 series, etc.).
At the same time, the system that comes with an MMU that supports virtual addresses and can run "advanced" operating systems like Linux, Vxworks, WinCE, Android, etc. is called embedded.
At some point, the microcontroller itself is powerful enough to be used as an embedded system. It's cheaper and relatively less difficult to develop and maintain, especially for more targeted applications. Whereas embedded systems are theoretically more powerful and more widely used, they are highly complex and difficult to develop.
Embedded, generally refers to embedded systems, embedded development, that is, the development of embedded systems.IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) on the definition of embedded systems is: "devices used to control, monitor, or assist in the operation of machines and equipment".
Domestic academic definition is more specific, but also easier to understand: embedded systems, is application-centered, based on computer technology, software and hardware can be tailored to apply to the function, reliability, cost, volume, power consumption of the strict requirements of the special computer system. Application-centered, indicating that the embedded system is a clear practical use.
Based on computer technology, it shows that it is actually a special kind of computer. Tailorable hardware and software indicates that it is highly flexible and customizable.
The core of an embedded system is the embedded processor. Embedded processors are generally divided into the following typical types: Embedded microcontroller MCU (Micro Control Unit) MCU internal integration of ROM / RAM, bus logic, timing / counter, watchdog, I / O, serial ports, A/D, D / A, FLASH and so on. Typical representatives are 8051, 8096, C8051F, etc.?
Embedded DSP processor (Digital Signal Processor) DSP processor dedicated to signal processing, in the system structure and command algorithms for special design. It is widely used in digital filtering, FFT, spectrum analysis.
Typical representative of TI (Texas Instruments) TMS320C2000/C5000 series. Embedded microprocessor MPU (Micro Processor Unit) MPU by the evolution of general-purpose processors, with high performance, with a wealth of peripheral components interface. Typical representatives are AM186/88, 386EX, SC-400, PowerPC, MIPS, ARM series, etc. ?
In addition, there are embedded system-on-chip SoC (System on Chip) and programmable system-on-chip SoPC (System on a Programmable Chip). Our microcontroller, belongs to the first of the above - MCU (Embedded Microcontroller).
Microcontroller, also known as Single-Chip Microcontroller, in English called Single-Chip Microcomputer. it is actually an integrated circuit chip, is through the ultra-large-scale integrated circuit technology, the CPU, RAM, ROM, input/output and interrupt systems, timers/counters, and other functions, stuffed into a piece of silicon into a super-small computer .
Microcontroller technology was born from the late 1970s, and in the early days it was 4-bit, then evolved to 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit. It really rose to prominence in the 8-bit era.
8-bit microcontrollers are very powerful and are widely used in industrial control, instrumentation, home appliances and automobiles. When we study microcontroller, we often hear two words - 51 microcontroller, STM32. let me introduce what they are.
51 microcontroller, in fact, is a series of microcontroller collectively. This series of microcontrollers, compatible with Intel?8031 instruction system. Their originator, the Intel (Intel) 8004 microcontroller.
STM32, a general-purpose microcontroller based on the ARM Cortex-M core from STMicroelectronics. STM32's hardware configuration can satisfy most of the IoT development needs, and with a complete set of development tools and related documentation, it has become the preferred target for learning about microcontrollers.