Microcontroller (MCU)
A microcontroller is the component that combines the processor core, program memory, data memory and input-output units on a single chip. On remote control and driver boards it runs the decision logic: it reads inputs, checks protection thresholds, generates PWM and drives the outputs.
On a control board, the microcontroller units typically used are these:
- Digital input-output: button, switch and relay drive pins.
- Analog-to-digital converter: potentiometer position, current measurement and temperature reading.
- Timer and PWM unit: motor speed control and ramp generation.
- Communication peripherals: UART, SPI, I2C and, if required, a CAN controller.
- Watchdog timer: restarts the board in a controlled manner when the software hangs.
What is decisive in the selection is not raw processing power, but the number and type of peripherals needed, the availability of an industrial temperature class and long-term supply assurance. A significant share of control applications runs comfortably with a core speed in the megahertz range; the bottleneck is mostly not in the processor but on the measurement and switching side. For that reason, in custom projects the controller is selected during the concept design stage on the basis of the peripheral list.
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