<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (November 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (November 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> A microcontroller (MCU for microcontroller unit, or UC for μ - controller) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit . In modern terminology, it is similar to, but less sophisticated than, a system on a chip or SoC; an SoC may include a microcontroller as one of its components . A microcontroller contains one or more CPUs (processor cores) along with memory and programmable input / output peripherals . Program memory in the form of ferroelectric RAM, NOR flash or OTP ROM is also often included on chip, as well as a small amount of RAM . Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general purpose applications consisting of various discrete chips . </P> <P> Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toys and other embedded systems . By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input / output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes . Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating analog components needed to control non-digital electronic systems . </P>

It is a single chip microcomputer consisting of a memory unit and an i/o unit