The hardware.
WHAT A MICROCONTROLLER IS
A processor with memory and peripherals integrated on one chip.
WHAT PERIPHERALS TYPICALLY INCLUDE
General-purpose input and output pins Timers Analogue-to-digital converters Serial communication interfaces Pulse width modulation
WHAT DISTINGUISHES FAMILIES
Architecture Memory sizes Peripheral sets Power consumption Cost and availability
WHAT DEVELOPMENT BOARDS PROVIDE
A microcontroller with supporting circuitry, ready to program.
WHAT THE COMMON ECOSYSTEMS ARE
Beginner-friendly platforms with extensive libraries Professional toolchains from silicon vendors Boards running a full operating system
WHAT TO START WITH
A beginner platform, for learning the concepts.
WHAT TO MOVE TO
Vendor toolchains, for production work.
WHY
Beginner abstractions hide what you eventually need to control.
WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE SELECTING A PART
Availability, and expected lifetime Documentation quality Toolchain quality Community and examples
WHY AVAILABILITY MATTERS ENORMOUSLY
Supply disruption has made parts unobtainable for long periods, halting production.
WHAT TO DESIGN FOR
The possibility of substituting a different part.
