COP8SA-DM National Semiconductor, COP8SA-DM Datasheet - Page 14

• 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

output ports allow the microcontroller to affect external logic systems. The interfaces
between the microcontroller and the outside world vary with the application, and may
include display units, keypads, switches, sensors, relays, motors, and so on.
Program
Data
Memory
Memory
Timing
CPU
I/O
Figure 1-1 Microcontroller General Block Diagram
1.2
WHAT DOES A MICROCONTROLLER REPLACE?
A microcontroller can do the work of many different types of logic circuits. Discrete logic
circuits are permanently wired to perform the function they were designed to do. If the
design requirements are changed slightly, an entire printed circuit board or many boards
may have to be redesigned to accommodate the change. With a microcontroller
performing the logic functions, most changes can be made simply by reprogramming the
microcontroller. That is, the software (program) is changed rather than the hardware
(logic circuits). This makes the microcontroller a very attractive building block in any
digital system. With a microcontroller-based design, the designer can simply add a
feature set to the product with minimal software/hardware changes.
Microcontrollers can also be used to replace analog circuitry. Special interface circuits
can be used to enable a microcontroller to input and output analog signals.
There are also situations where the designer considers using an ASIC (Application-
Specific
Integrated
Circuit)
as
logic
replacement
for
control
applications.
Microcontrollers can efficiently be used as single-chip replacements in such applications
with significantly lower development cost and fast time to market.
One of the great benefits of the electronic revolution is that it brought intelligence, and
with it adaptability, to traditional electro-mechanical devices. By continuously gathering
information on the performance of the device, its operating environment, and other
factors, microcontroller intelligence can determine a new and proper strategy and then
command the surrounding device to react. The most important of these are the new
1-2
MICROCONTROLLER BASICS