Microcontroller Architectures and Instruction Sets

Concise introduction to microcontroller architectures and instruction set concepts, covering RISC vs CISC, ARM, MIPS, RISC-V and microarchitecture differences.

PLC vs. Microcontroller: Key Differences

PLC vs. Microcontroller: Can an MCU replace a PLC? Discover the key differences in reliability, programming, and cost for industrial automation.

Using Hardware FIFO to Reduce Receive Interrupts

Practical guide to using UART FIFO and framing with timer-driven transmit to reduce receive interrupts and avoid blocking sends in embedded serial/RS485 systems.

Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller Explained

Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller: Learn the key differences in hardware, applications, and features. Plus, a step-by-step guide to start learning.

MCU Basics: How Code Controls Hardware

Uncover the physical reality of code. Learn how software translates into voltage levels that control everything from transistors to complex CPU operations.

Porting FreeMODBUS to AT32 MCU

Guide to Modbus overview and porting FreeMODBUS to AT32F435 with hardware setup, Modbus Poll testing, RTU/ASCII and RS485 implementation.

DIP Switches and MCU Interfaces: Basic Principles

Learn how to wire DIP and rotary switches to microcontrollers: avoid floating inputs, use internal pulls, multiplexing tips and rotary codes.

Disabling & Canceling MCU Interrupts

Learn how Cortex-M MCUs handle rapid external interrupts using the NVIC. Explore interrupt priorities, nesting, pending states, and code examples.

Microcontroller Minimal System Essentials

Overview of 8051 minimal system: reset circuit RC timing, crystal oscillator design and load capacitance, Port 0 pull-ups and EA/Vpp boot selection.

Differences Between 8-bit and 32-bit Microcontrollers

Explains how a microcontroller's "bit" rating reflects the CPU ALU and data bus width, affecting single-operation data size and memory addressing capacity.