Microcontroller

microcontroller (MCU, µC) is a programmable small computer on a single integrated circuit. It has a processor, Flash or EEPROM program and data memory, RAM memory, input/outputs and periphals like I²C. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers. They are useful because they combine almost everything a developer needs to control his/her project in one package.

The most popular microcontroller families are:


 * Atmel AVR family (containing ATtiny, ATmega and ATxmega subfamilies)
 * Microchip PIC
 * ARM-based microcontrollers

Somewhat less popular, but with thriving development communities, are these microcontroller families:
 * the Cypress PSoC family (including the Cypress PSOC 28 Pin - CY8C29466, and soon to include an ARM-based PSoC)
 * the Parallax Propeller