Microcontroller Design and Concepts
A method for microcontroller design was developed. A basic data path
configuration capable of processing the microcontroller basic instruction set was
developed first. Based on this configuration, a four-bit microcontroller was developed
from its most basic instruction set to the most complex one.
Through the design process, the microcontroller hardware evolves into a complex
one as more instructions are added to the basic instruction set. More hardware is added in
parallel to the basic data path configuration to make the execution of more complex
instructions possible.
As a result it is expected that readers become familiar with the fundamental
microcontroller concepts and operations. Design steps, implementation and testing of all
the microcontroller development circuits are shown graphically and explained in detail.
Finally designers will have a basic guide to develop their own microcontroller using this
work procedure.
Microcontrollers and microprocessors are the most used devices in electronic
equipment. Modern technology demands from any engineer, a basic microcontroller or
microprocessor knowledge. The basic difference between them is that microprocessors
can be configured for the amount of memory and the input / output system used. The
microcontroller has all the computing system (I/O system and memory) built in it.
Designer’s judgment determines which one should be used.
The emphasis of this work will be in the CPU; other important microcontroller
parts such as the memory, the I/O system, microcontroller and microprocessor layout,
fabrication process and technology are beyond the scope of this work. Design
performance parameters like speed, power dissipation, wiring, packing, and transistor
sizing are also beyond the scope of this work [8].
Research Objective
The main idea of this work is to develop a systematic and straightforward
procedure that allows students to understand microcontrollers design and operation.
Inexperienced designers should be able to design their own microcontrollers from scratch
using this procedure. This work assumes that the student has a basic knowledge of circuit
analysis and digital logic circuits.
1.3
Simulations
There are many simulation tools that can be used for microcontroller design.
Hardware Description Language (HDL) programming and graphic simulators are the
main development tools used in the microcontroller design market. The computer tool
used in this work is the graphical simulator Logic Works. Logic Works was chosen
because the focus of this work is for beginners in the microcontroller field. Logic Works
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