Below is a list of microchip terminology and related definitions:
- ADC – Analog-to-Digital Converter, a device that converts analog signals into digital signals.
- ADC resolution – the number of bits used to represent the analog signal in digital form, determining the level of precision in the conversion process.
- Assembly Language – a low-level programming language used to control a microcontroller’s operation directly.
- AVR – Atmel AVR, a type of microcontroller developed and manufactured by Atmel (now owned by Microchip Technology).
- Baud Rate – the speed at which data is transmitted over a serial communication interface, measured in bits per second.
- BOM – Bill of Materials, a list of all the components and parts needed to assemble a microcontroller circuit.
- Bootloader – a small program that allows a microcontroller to be reprogrammed without the need for a separate programmer.
- Bootloader mode – a mode where the microcontroller is configured to accept new firmware updates via a programmer or other means.
- Breakpoint – a location in the code where the execution of the program is temporarily halted, allowing developers to examine the state of the microcontroller and debug the code.
- Brown-out detection – a feature that monitors the voltage level and triggers a reset when it drops below a certain threshold, indicating a low power condition.
- Brown-out Reset – a reset that occurs when the voltage level drops below a certain threshold, indicating a low power condition.
- Clock – a device that generates a high-frequency signal used to synchronize the operation of a microcontroller.
- Clock speed – the frequency at which a microcontroller operates, measured in Hertz (Hz).
- Compiler – a software tool that converts high-level programming languages into machine code that can be executed by a microcontroller.
- Core – the central processing unit of a microcontroller, responsible for executing instructions and controlling the operation of the device.
- DAC – Digital-to-Analog Converter, a device that converts digital signals into analog signals.
- Datasheet – a document that provides detailed information about a specific microcontroller, including its specifications, pinout, and programming instructions.
- Debugger – a software tool that allows developers to test and troubleshoot their code by monitoring the operation of a microcontroller in real-time.
- Device driver – a software component that allows the microcontroller to interact with a specific peripheral device, such as a sensor or motor.
- Digital signal processing (DSP) – a method of processing digital signals to extract useful information, such as filtering, modulation, and signal analysis.
- EEPROM – Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, a type of non-volatile memory that can be reprogrammed through electrical signals.
- EEPROM emulation – a feature that allows the use of flash memory to emulate EEPROM, providing the ability to reprogram the memory without the need for a separate programmer.
- Firmware – the software that runs on a microcontroller, including the operating system and application code.
- Firmware update – a process of updating the software that runs on a microcontroller to a newer version, to fix bugs or add new features.
- Flash Memory – a type of non-volatile memory that can be electronically programmed and reprogrammed.
- Fuse – a type of non-volatile memory that stores configuration settings for a microcontroller, such as clock speed and voltage levels.
- I/O pin – an input/output pin on a microcontroller, used for connecting to external devices or peripherals.
- I2C – Inter-Integrated Circuit, a communication protocol that allows multiple devices to share a two-wire bus.
- ICSP – In-Circuit Serial Programming, a method of programming a microcontroller while it is still in the circuit.
- In-Circuit Emulator – a tool that allows developers to run and test code on a microcontroller while it is still in the circuit, without the need for a separate programmer.
- Interrupt – a signal that causes the microcontroller to temporarily halt its current task and execute a specific routine.
- Interrupt service routine (ISR) – a routine that is executed when an interrupt is triggered, typically used to handle specific events or signals.
- Interrupt Vector – a memory location that contains the address of the routine that should be executed when a specific interrupt occurs.
- ISP – In-System Programming, a method of programming a microcontroller while it is still in the circuit, using a programmer.
- JTAG – Joint Test Action Group, a standard for testing and debugging digital circuits, including microcontrollers.
- Logic Analyzer – a tool that captures and analyzes digital signals from a microcontroller, allowing developers to see the timing and behavior of the signals.
- Memory map – the mapping of memory locations to specific functions or features of a microcontroller, such as program memory, data memory, and peripheral registers.
- Microcontroller – a small computer integrated onto a single chip, designed for specific control applications.
- Microcontroller application – the specific use or application for which a microcontroller is designed, such as automation, robotics, IoT, and embedded systems.
- Microcontroller architecture – the design of the microcontroller, including the number of bits, the instruction set, and the memory organization.
- Microcontroller certification – the process of obtaining official approval or certification for a microcontroller, typically from regulatory bodies or industry standards organizations.
- Microcontroller clock – the clock source used to synchronize the operation of the microcontroller, including the frequency and accuracy.
- Microcontroller debugging – the process of identifying and resolving errors in the code and operation of a microcontroller, typically using tools such as debuggers, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
- Microcontroller development board – a board that contains a microcontroller and other components for testing and development, including power supply, programming interface, and peripherals.
- Microcontroller evaluation board – a board that contains a microcontroller and other components for testing and evaluation, typically used to assess the performance and features of a specific microcontroller.
- Microcontroller family – a group of microcontrollers that share a common architecture and feature set, such as PIC or AVR.
- Microcontroller firmware – the software that runs on a microcontroller, including the operating system and application code.
- Microcontroller firmware code analysis – the process of evaluating and analyzing firmware code, typically using tools such as static code analysis and code review.
- Microcontroller firmware code development automation – the process of automating repetitive or error-prone tasks in firmware code development, such as building, testing, and deployment.
- Microcontroller firmware code development best practices – the guidelines and recommendations for developing high-quality and secure firmware code, such as coding standards, code reviews, and testing.
- Microcontroller firmware code development collaboration – the process of working together with other developers or experts on firmware code development, typically via code review, testing, and documentation.
- Microcontroller firmware code development community – the group of individuals, organizations, and resources that provide support, information, and resources for developing firmware code for microcontrollers.
- Microcontroller firmware code development documentation – the documentation that accompanies firmware code, including user manuals, reference guides, and API documentation.
- Microcontroller firmware code development environment – the software and hardware tools used to develop and test firmware code, such as compilers, debuggers, and emulators.
- Microcontroller firmware code development frameworks – pre-written software code that can be used to perform common functions or tasks on a microcontroller, such as communication, data processing, and sensor interfacing.
- Microcontroller firmware code development guidelines – the rules and recommendations for developing firmware code, typically including coding standards, best practices, and security guidelines.
- Microcontroller firmware code development optimization – the process of improving the performance and efficiency of firmware code, typically by reducing memory usage, minimizing code size, or optimizing algorithms.
- Microcontroller firmware code development platform – the software and hardware tools used to develop and test firmware code, such as compilers, debuggers, and emulators.
- Microcontroller firmware code development process – the methodology and workflow used to develop firmware code, such as Agile, Waterfall, or Scrum.
- Microcontroller firmware code development security – the techniques and features used to protect firmware code and data from unauthorized access or tampering.
- Microcontroller firmware code development team – the group of individuals responsible for developing and maintaining firmware code, including developers, testers, and project managers.
- Microcontroller firmware code development testing – the process of verifying the functionality and performance of firmware code, typically using tools such as test equipment, testbenches, and test software.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools – the software tools used to develop and test firmware code, such as compilers, debuggers, and emulators.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools backup – the process of creating a backup copy of firmware development tools and their associated data, to ensure they can be restored in the event of a malfunction or corruption.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools certification – the process of obtaining official approval or certification for firmware development tools, typically from regulatory bodies or industry standards organizations.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools compatibility – the ability of firmware development tools to work seamlessly with a specific microcontroller or platform.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools compatibility matrix – a table that lists the different versions of firmware development tools and the microcontroller platforms or architectures that they support.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools compatibility testing – the process of testing the compatibility of firmware development tools with different microcontroller platforms or architectures.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools compatibility testing – the process of testing the compatibility of firmware development tools with different operating systems and hardware configurations.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools compliance testing – the process of testing the compliance of firmware development tools with regulatory standards and industry best practices, such as ISO and OWASP.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools cost – the financial cost of acquiring and using firmware development tools, including licensing, maintenance, and upgrades.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools customization – the process of modifying firmware development tools to meet the specific needs of an application or project.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools disaster recovery – the process of restoring firmware development tools and their associated data in the event of a disaster, such as a power failure, hardware failure, or cyber attack.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools integration – the ability of firmware development tools to work together seamlessly in a development environment, such as with a code editor or version control system.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools integration testing – the process of testing the compatibility and functionality of firmware development tools when used together in a development environment.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools load testing – the process of testing the ability of firmware development tools to handle high workloads and traffic, such as during peak usage times.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools performance testing – the process of measuring the performance and efficiency of firmware development tools, such as build times, memory usage, and processing speed.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools regression testing – the process of testing the functionality of firmware development tools after a change or update, to ensure that previous features still work as expected.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools reliability – the ability of firmware development tools to perform their functions correctly and consistently.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools scalability – the ability of firmware development tools to handle large and complex projects, and support multiple developers and devices.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools scalability testing – the process of testing the ability of firmware development tools to handle large and complex projects, and support multiple developers and devices.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools security – the techniques and features used to protect firmware development tools from unauthorized access or tampering.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools security testing – the process of testing the security of firmware development tools, including vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools stress testing – the process of testing the stability and reliability of firmware development tools under extreme conditions, such as high workloads and low memory.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools support – the level of technical support and resources available for firmware development tools, such as online documentation, tutorials, and forums.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools testing automation – the process of automating repetitive or error-prone tasks in firmware code development testing, such as building, testing, and deployment.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools updates – the process of updating firmware development tools to fix bugs, add new features, or improve compatibility.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools usability – the ease of use and user-friendliness of firmware development tools, such as an intuitive interface and clear documentation.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools usability testing – the process of testing the user-friendliness and ease of use of firmware development tools, such as navigation, documentation, and error handling.
- Microcontroller firmware code development tools versioning – the process of maintaining different versions of firmware development tools, typically to support different devices, features, or compatibility.
- Microcontroller firmware code development version control – the process of maintaining different versions of firmware code, typically to support different devices, features, or compatibility.
- Microcontroller firmware code distribution – the process of distributing firmware code to end users, typically via software updates or downloads.
- Microcontroller firmware code documentation – the documentation that accompanies firmware code, including user manuals, reference guides, and API documentation.
- Microcontroller firmware code encryption – the process of encrypting firmware code to protect it from unauthorized access or tampering.
- Microcontroller firmware code license – the legal agreement that governs the use and distribution of firmware code, typically including terms such as copyright, patent, and trademark.
- Microcontroller firmware code management – the process of organizing, maintaining, and updating firmware code for a microcontroller.
- Microcontroller firmware code optimization – the process of improving the performance and efficiency of firmware code, typically by reducing memory usage, minimizing code size, or optimizing algorithms.
- Microcontroller firmware code porting – the process of adapting firmware code to run on different microcontroller platforms or architectures.
- Microcontroller firmware code quality – the level of adherence to coding standards, maintainability, readability, and performance of firmware code.
- Microcontroller firmware code review – the process of inspecting and evaluating firmware code by other developers or experts, typically to identify errors, bugs, and potential vulnerabilities.
- Microcontroller firmware code security – the techniques and features used to protect firmware code and data from unauthorized access or tampering.
- Microcontroller firmware code signing – the process of adding a digital signature to firmware code to ensure its authenticity and integrity.
- Microcontroller firmware code testing – the process of verifying the functionality and performance of firmware code, typically using tools such as test equipment, testbenches, and test software.
- Microcontroller firmware code validation – the process of ensuring that firmware code meets the requirements and specifications of the application or project.
- Microcontroller firmware code versioning – the process of maintaining different versions of firmware code, typically to support different devices, features, or compatibility.
- Microcontroller firmware customization – the process of modifying existing firmware code to meet the specific needs of an application or project.
- Microcontroller firmware debugging – the process of identifying and resolving errors in firmware code, typically using tools such as debuggers, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
- Microcontroller firmware development – the process of designing, writing, and testing firmware code for a microcontroller.
- Microcontroller firmware documentation – the documentation that accompanies firmware code, including user manuals, reference guides, and API documentation.
- Microcontroller firmware encryption – the process of encrypting firmware code to protect it from unauthorized access or tampering.
- Microcontroller firmware library – a collection of firmware code that can be used to perform common functions or tasks on a microcontroller, such as communication, data processing, and sensor interfacing.
- Microcontroller firmware library management – the process of organizing, maintaining, and updating firmware libraries for a microcontroller.
- Microcontroller firmware license – the legal agreement that governs the use and distribution of firmware code, typically including terms such as copyright, patent, and trademark.
- Microcontroller firmware optimization – the process of improving the performance and efficiency of firmware code, typically by reducing memory usage, minimizing code size, or optimizing algorithms.
- Microcontroller firmware porting – the process of adapting firmware code to run on different microcontroller platforms or architectures.
- Microcontroller firmware recovery – the process of restoring firmware code on a microcontroller, typically in the event of a malfunction or corruption.
- Microcontroller firmware security – the techniques and features used to protect firmware code and data from unauthorized access or tampering.
- Microcontroller firmware signing – the process of adding a digital signature to firmware code to ensure its authenticity and integrity.
- Microcontroller firmware simulation – the process of modeling and testing firmware code in a virtual environment, typically using software tools such as emulators and simulators.
- Microcontroller firmware testing – the process of verifying the functionality and performance of firmware code on a microcontroller, typically using tools such as test equipment, testbenches, and test software.
- Microcontroller firmware update – the process of updating the firmware on a microcontroller, typically to fix bugs, add new features, or improve security.
- Microcontroller firmware upgrade – the process of replacing or updating the firmware on a microcontroller to a newer version, to fix bugs, add new features, or improve security.
- Microcontroller firmware versioning – the process of maintaining different versions of firmware code, typically to support different devices, features, or compatibility.
- Microcontroller libraries – pre-written software code that can be used to perform common functions or tasks on a microcontroller, such as communication, data processing, and sensor interfacing.
- Microcontroller manufacturing – the process of producing microcontroller devices, including wafer fabrication, packaging, testing, and quality control.
- Microcontroller market – the market for microcontroller devices, including trends, growth, and competition.
- Microcontroller package – the physical package that houses the microcontroller chip, including the type of package (DIP, SOIC, QFN, etc.) and the number of pins.
- Microcontroller peripherals – the additional devices and components that can be connected to a microcontroller, such as sensors, motors, displays, and communication interfaces.
- Microcontroller pinout – the arrangement of the pins on a microcontroller package, indicating their function and connection options.
- Microcontroller power management – the techniques and features used to reduce the power consumption of a microcontroller, such as sleep mode, power-saving modes, and power gating.
- Microcontroller programming – the process of writing and uploading code to a microcontroller, typically using a programming language such as C, assembly, or BASIC.
- Microcontroller SDK – a software development kit that provides libraries, tools, and documentation for developing applications for a specific microcontroller.
- Microcontroller security – the techniques and features used to protect a microcontroller and its associated data and operations from unauthorized access or tampering.
- Microcontroller simulation – the process of modeling and testing the operation of a microcontroller in a virtual environment, typically using software tools such as emulators and simulators.
- Microcontroller testing – the process of verifying the functionality and performance of a microcontroller, typically using tools such as test equipment, testbenches, and test software.
- Microcontroller voltage – the voltage level required to operate the microcontroller, typically ranging from 2V to 5V.
- Non-volatile memory – a type of memory that retains its contents even when the power is turned off.
- Oscilloscope – a tool that captures and analyzes analog signals from a microcontroller, allowing developers to see the amplitude and frequency of the signals.
- OTP – One-Time Programmable, a type of microcontroller that can only be programmed once and cannot be reprogrammed.
- Parallel communication – a method of transmitting multiple bits of data simultaneously over multiple communication lines or channels.
- PCB – Printed Circuit Board, a board that contains the electronic components of a microcontroller circuit, including the microcontroller itself, power supply, and other peripherals.
- PCB design software – a software tool that is used to design and create the layout of a printed circuit board.
- PCB layout – the physical layout of the components on a printed circuit board, including the placement and routing of the connections between the components.
- Peripheral – a device that is connected to a microcontroller and used to perform specific functions, such as input/output, communication, or sensing.
- PIC – Peripheral Interface Controller, a type of microcontroller developed and manufactured by Microchip Technology.
- POR – Power-on reset, a reset that occurs when a microcontroller is first powered on or when the voltage level drops below a certain threshold.
- Power consumption – the amount of power a microcontroller requires to operate, measured in watts (W) or milliwatts (mW).
- Power supply – a device that provides power to the microcontroller, typically in the form of voltage and current.
- Power-on Reset – a reset that occurs when a microcontroller is first powered on or when the voltage level drops below a certain threshold.
- PWM – Pulse Width Modulation, a technique used to control the power output of a device by adjusting the width of the pulses in a signal.
- RAM – Random Access Memory, a type of volatile memory that stores data temporarily while a microcontroller is running.
- Real-time clock (RTC) – a device that keeps track of the current time and date, even when the microcontroller is in sleep mode or powered off.
- Register – a memory location within a microcontroller where data can be stored and accessed.
- ROM – Read-Only Memory, a type of non-volatile memory that stores permanent data that cannot be altered.
- Ronald Legarski: Microchip specialist and General Electrician at SolveForce.
- Serial communication – a method of transmitting data one bit at a time over a single communication line or channel.
- Sleep Mode – a power-saving mode that reduces the power consumption of a microcontroller by disabling certain peripherals and lowering the clock speed.
- SPI – Serial Peripheral Interface, a communication protocol that allows multiple devices to share a single data line.
- Stack – a memory area used for storing temporary data, such as function call parameters and return addresses.
- Stack Pointer – a register that points to the top of the stack.
- Timer – a device that generates timed events or signals for use in a microcontroller application.
- Timer/Counter – a device that counts the number of clock cycles and generates timed events or signals for use in a microcontroller application.
- UART – Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, a device that allows a microcontroller to communicate with other devices using a serial communication protocol.
- Volatile memory – a type of memory that loses its contents when the power is turned off.
- Watchdog Timer – a timer that monitors the operation of a microcontroller and resets it if it stops working or becomes stuck in an infinite loop.