Nowadays, although the application of MCU is extremely widespread, the history of its appearance is not actually long. Its emergence and development are roughly synchronous with those of the CPU. Next, let's explore the development history of MCU together with Yufan Microelectronics.
01 What is MCU
MCU, namely Micro Controller Unit, also known as a microcontroller or single - chip microcomputer. It integrates multiple functional modules and interfaces such as the CPU, peripheral functions, and storage functions on a single chip. As a highly integrated microcomputer control system, it realizes terminal control functions and has advantages such as high performance, low power consumption, programmability, and high flexibility. It has been widely applied in fields such as automotive electronics, industrial control, instrumentation, and home appliances.
02 ThUCM e Basic Structure of MCU
MCU is mainly composed of a central processing unit (CPU), memory (ROM and RAM), input - output (I/O) interfaces, counters, and buses.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
It is the core component inside the MCU. The arithmetic unit can perform arithmetic and logical operations on data, handle bit - variable processing, and data transfer operations. The control unit coordinates work according to a certain timing, analyzes, and executes instructions.
Memory (ROM and RAM)
Any computing system requires two types of memory: program memory and data memory. Program memory, as the name implies, contains programs, that is, instructions to be executed by the CPU. On the other hand, data memory is needed to store temporary data during the execution of instructions. Usually, the program memory is Read - Only Memory (ROM), and the data memory is Random - Access Memory (RAM).
Input - Output (I/O) Interfaces
The interface between the single - chip microcomputer and the outside world is provided by the input/output ports (I/O ports). Input devices such as switches and keyboards provide information to the CPU from users in the form of binary data. After receiving data from the input devices, the CPU executes appropriate instructions and responds through output devices such as LEDs, displays, and printers.
Timer/Counter
One of the important components of a single - chip microcomputer is the timer and counter. They provide operations such as time delay and counting external events. In addition, timers and counters can provide functions such as function generation, pulse - width modulation, and clock control.
Bus
Another important but seldom - mentioned component of a single - chip microcomputer is the system bus. The system bus is a set of connection lines that connect the CPU to other peripheral devices such as memory, I/O ports, and other support components.
03 The Development History of MCU
Since the American company Intel first introduced the 4 - bit microprocessor in 1971, its development can be roughly divided into five stages up to now.
I. Initial Stage (1971 - 1976)
In November 1971, Intel first designed the 4 - bit microprocessor Intel 4004 with an integration level of 2,000 transistors per chip, equipped with RAM, ROM, and a shift register, forming the first MCS - 4 microprocessor. Subsequently, the 8 - bit microprocessor Intel 8008 was introduced, and other companies also successively launched 8 - bit microprocessors.
II. Low - performance MCU Stage (1976 - 1980)
Represented by the MCS - 48 series launched by Intel in 1976, it adopted a single - chip structure that integrated an 8 - bit CPU, 8 - bit parallel I/O interfaces, 8 - bit timer/counters, RAM, and ROM on a semiconductor chip. Although its addressing range was limited (not more than 4 KB), there was no serial I/O, the capacity of RAM and ROM was small, and the interrupt system was relatively simple, its functions could meet the needs of general industrial control, intelligent instruments, and meters.
III. High - performance MCU Stage (1980 - 1983)
The high - performance 8 - bit MCUs launched in this stage generally had a serial port, a multi - level interrupt handling system, and multiple 16 - bit timer/counters. The on - chip RAM and ROM capacity increased, and the addressing range could reach 64 KB. Some chips even had an on - chip A/D conversion interface.
IV. 16 - bit MCU Stage (1983 - Late 1980s)
In 1983, Intel launched the high - performance 16 - bit MCU MCS - 96 series. Due to the adoption of the latest manufacturing process, the chip integration level was as high as 120,000 transistors per chip.
V. 32 - bit MCU Stage (1990)
Intel launched the 80960 super 32 - bit computer, which caused a sensation in the computer industry and became another important milestone in the development history of MCU. Since then, MCU has developed to a higher level in all aspects such as integration, function, speed, reliability, and application fields.
By the mid - 1990s, Intel was busy developing microprocessors for personal computers and no longer had enough energy to develop the single - chip microcomputer technology it had created. Companies such as Philips continued to develop the c51 series of single - chip microcomputers.
04 The Rise of Domestic MCU
If calculated from January 1971, when the 4 - bit microprocessor Intel 4004 was born, MCU has a history of nearly 50 years. However, the MCU products of domestic manufacturers mostly emerged in the early 21st century, with a very short traceable history.
Domestic MCUs did not participate in the exploration and formation stages of MCU development, but in the comprehensive development stage of MCU, domestic MCUs are an existence that cannot be ignored, especially in the current international environment, which has even more important significance.
Benefiting from the high influence and continuous growth of the domestic Internet of Things and new energy vehicle markets globally, the development of MCU will enter a new stage in the next few years. IHS predicts that by 2026, the market size of domestic MCU may increase to 51.3 billion yuan at a CAGR of approximately 7%.
