COP8SA-DM National Semiconductor, COP8SA-DM Datasheet - Page 13

• Manufacturer Part Number: COP8SA-DM
• Description: MODULE DEBUGGING FOR COP8SA
• Manufacturer: National Semiconductor

Specifications of COP8SA-DM

• Module/board Type: Debugger Module
• For Use With/related Products: Cop 8
• Lead Free Status / RoHS Status: Lead free / RoHS Compliant
• Other names: *COP8SA-DM

1.1
Microcontroller is an highly integrated single-chip microcomputer. Some of the key
elements of a microcontroller include a CPU to process information, program memory to
store instructions, data memory to store information, system timing, and input/output
sections to communicate with the outside world.
1.1.1
Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the heart of a microcontroller where all of the
arithmetic and logical operations are performed. This is the calculator part of the
microcontroller. The CPU gets program instructions from the program memory.
1.1.2
Program Memory contains a set of CPU instructions organized into a particular sequence
to do a particular task. Program Memory is referred to as Read Only Memory (ROM) or
OTP/EPROM. OTP or “One-Time Programmable” can be programmed only once and the
program is stored permanently, even when the microcontroller power is turned off.
Program memory enables the microcontroller to immediately begin running its program
as soon as it is turned on.
1.1.3
A form of memory that can be both read and written is required for the program stack,
data storage, and program variables. This type of memory is commonly referred to as
Random Access Memory (RAM). Each memory location has a unique address which the
CPU uses to find the information it needs.
A typical microcontroller contains both ROM and RAM type memory.
1.1.4
Microcontrollers use a timing signal, called a clock, to provide a timing reference for
program execution, and to determine when data should be written to or read from
memory. It also provides timing for on-board peripherals.
1.1.5
Microcontrollers require interface sections to communicate with external circuitry. Input
ports allow data and status conditions to be read into the microcontroller while the
WHAT IS A MICROCONTROLLER?
CPU
Program Memory
Data Memory
Timing
Inputs/Outputs
MICROCONTROLLER BASICS
MICROCONTROLLER BASICS
Chapter 1
1-1