What is the meaning of MCU?

MCU (MicroControllerUnit) Chinese name for the multi-point control unit, also known as a single chip micro-computer (SingleChipMicrocomputer), refers to the emergence of large-scale integrated circuits and their development, the computer's CPU, RAM, ROM, timer and a variety of I / O interfaces are integrated on a chip. It is a chip-level computer that can be used for different applications in different combinations of control. \x0d\ MCU classification \x0d\ MCU according to its memory type can be divided into MASK (mask) ROM, OTP (one-time programmable) ROM, FLASHROM and so on. MASKROM MCU price is cheap, but the program has been cured in the factory, suitable for applications where the program is fixed and unchanged; FALSHROM MCU program can be erased repeatedly, very flexible, but more expensive. FALSHROM MCU program can be repeatedly erased, flexibility is very strong, but the price is high, suitable for price-insensitive applications or for development purposes; OTPROM MCU price between the first two, but also has a one-time programmability, suitable for both the requirements of a certain degree of flexibility, but also low-cost applications, especially the function of continuous renovation, the need for rapid mass production of electronic products. \x0d\ microcontrollers in the past few years after continuous research, development, through the 4-bit, 8-bit, to the current 16-bit and 32-bit, and even 64-bit. The maturity of the product, as well as the input manufacturers, a wide range of applications, can be said to be unprecedented. Currently in the foreign manufacturers due to the development of early, wide-ranging product lines, so the leading technology, while the local manufacturers are multi-functional products oriented to win. However, it cannot be denied that the price war of the local manufacturers is a key factor that threatens the foreign companies. \x0d\ Due to the process improvement, the price difference between 8-bit MCU and 4-bit MCU is not much, 8-bit has gradually become the mainstream of the market; at present, most of the 4-bit MCUs are used in calculators, automotive instrumentation, automotive anti-theft devices, pagers, cordless telephones, CD players, LCD driver controllers, LCD game consoles, children's toys, weighing scales, chargers, tire pressure gauges, thermo-humidity gauges, remote control and 8-bit MCUs are mostly used in power meters, motor controllers, electric toy machines, inverter air conditioners, pagers, fax machines, callerID, telephone recorders, CRT monitors, keyboards, and USBs, etc.; 16-bit MCUs are mostly used in cellular phones, digital cameras, and camcorders; 32-bit MCUs are mostly used in modems, GPS, PDAs, and HPCs; and 16-bit MCUs are used in mobile phones, digital cameras, and camcorders. Most of the 32-bit MCUs are used in Modem, GPS, PDA, HPC, STB, Hub, Bridge, Router, workstation, ISDN phone, laser printer and color fax machine; 64-bit MCUs are used in high-level workstations, multimedia interactive systems, advanced TV games (e.g., SEGA's Dreamcast and Nintendo's GameBoy) and advanced terminals. The 64-bit MCUs are mostly used in high-end workstations, multimedia interactive systems, advanced TV games (such as SEGA Dreamcast and Nintendo GameBoy) and advanced terminals.