You can do one of those things, but not all. Microprocessors are much faster than microcontrollers, but they need external resources like RAM, Input/Output ports, etc., whereas a microcontroller is typically self-contained.Ĭomputers (which are microprocessors) can run multiple programs at a time - you can surf the Internet, reminisce with old photos, write a paper, and have like 1000 tabs open all at the same time! Microcontrollers… not so much. It performs the instructions and calculations that make the computer work. The microprocessor is what does the “heavy lifting” in a computer.

The Raspberry Pi is not only small and adorable, it is also a full-fledged computer! 😀Ĭomputers have microprocessors AND microcontrollers that work together to perform many tasks at once. *Questions are always good even if they are “dumb” or “n00by”, just find a safe space - like this site or Instructables! What’s the Difference Between the Raspberry Pi and a Microcontroller? On a breakout board, the microcontroller pins are soldered to a printed circuit board (“PCB”), headers or other connectors are added to the PCB, and some basic firmware, or permanent software, is loaded to prep the microcontroller to receive signals. In this guide, we’ll be focusing on microcontrollers that have breakout boards, or a board that makes it easier to connect to and program the microcontroller. They are designed to perform a single, specific task. Totally fine, here’s a quick rundown:Ī microcontroller is a “simple computer” that runs one program in a loop. Maybe you’ve seen this word and were like “uhhh.?” but didn’t feel comfy enough to ask*. *Ok, ok, maybe not *that* many, but definitely a few dozen! Whether you are looking to build some cool electronic projects, learn programming/tech, or wanting to teach others about electronics, this tutorial will help you figure out what microcontroller is right for your needs, goals, and budgets. The catch? There are like, 4324302* different microcontrollers and it can be daunting to get started, especially if you’re just getting into electronics. What do remote controllers, routers, and robots all have in common? Microcontrollers! These days, beginner-friendly microcontrollers are easy to build with and program using just a laptop, a USB cable, and some (free) open-source software.

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