Compare full list


Microcontrollers, also referred to as MCUs (microcontroller units), are embedded semiconductor devices used in circuit board design. They are essentially a computer within an integrated circuit (IC). Microcontrollers are mostly used in single-function embedded applications, unlike microprocessors which are designed for general-purpose work in Personal Computers, Tablets and Smartphones. Microcontrollers are limited in their clock speed compared to microprocessors by the relative slowness of their non-volatile Flash program memory. Learn more in our [microcontrollers guide](/web/generalDisplay.html?id=ideas-and-advice/microcontrollers-guide).

### What are Microcontrollers made up of?

Microcontrollers contain single or multiple processors, plus memory and I/O peripherals. These peripherals include timers, ADCs (analogue-to-digital converters) and DACs (digital-to-analogue converters).

### What does 8-bit mean?

Microcontrollers have a data bus width which describes the amount of data the MCU can process at a time. For example, an 8-bit microcontroller can process 8 bits at one time. Popular data bus widths include 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs.

### What packages are available for Microcontrollers?

MCUs come in standard chip packages with various pin counts. Package types include:

- LQFP
- PDIP
- QFN
- SOIC
- SSOP
- TQFP
- TSSOP

### What are ARM processor cores?

Microcontrollers often contain an ARM microprocessor core. ARM represents an architecture developed by ARM Holdings, which is used by other companies to manufacture microprocessors and other devices such as System-on-Chip (SoCs).

- Cortex-M0
- Cortex-M0+
- Cortex-M1
- Cortex-M3
- Cortex-M4
- Cortex-M7
- Cortex-M23
- Cortex-M33
- Cortex-M35P

### Where are microcontrollers used?

MCUs can be found in many technologies and any electronic device containing a sensor, a display, a user interface and a programmable output control or actuator is likely to feature an MCU. They can be found in the following areas:

- Computers
- Automotive
- Robotics
- Automation
- Medical equipment
- Home appliances
- IoT devices


Shop our range of Microcontroller supplies & accessories. Free Next Day Delivery. Browse our latest Microcontroller offers.

Microcontrollers | 8 Bit, 16 Bit & 32 Bit Pic MCUs | RS

Microcontrollers

Buy from our selection of Microcontrollers from Analog Devices. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Analog Devices Microcontrollers | RS

Buy Bridgetek Microcontrollers. Browse our latest Bridgetek Microcontrollers offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

Bridgetek Microcontrollers | RS

Buy from our selection of Microcontrollers from Infineon. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Infineon Microcontrollers | RS

Buy from our selection of Microcontrollers from Microchip. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Microchip Microcontrollers | RS

Buy Raspberry Pi Microcontrollers. Browse our latest Raspberry Pi Microcontrollers offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

Microcontrollers Raspberry Pi | RS

Buy from our selection of Microcontrollers from NXP. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

NXP Microcontrollers | RS

Buy from our selection of Microcontrollers from Silicon Labs. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Silicon Labs Microcontrollers | RS

Buy STMicroelectronics Microcontrollers. Browse our latest STMicroelectronics Microcontrollers offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

STMicroelectronics Microcontrollers | RS

Buy from our selection of Microcontrollers from Texas Instruments. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Texas Instruments Microcontrollers | RS

Buy from our selection of Microcontrollers from Zilog. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Infineon Microcontrollers

Popular Searches