Package
A package refers to encapsulating an integrated circuit (IC) with materials such as plastic, metal, or ceramic. Packaging protects the chip and allows it to connect with the external environment.
Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
A printed circuit board (PCB) is the physical realization of a circuit schematic and serves as a base for assembling electronic components. Its primary function is to provide mechanical support for the mounting and connection of integrated circuits and other electronic components.
DRAM and SRAM
Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM): Composed of a single MOS transistor per bit, DRAM requires periodic refreshing to maintain stored data.
Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM): Typically constructed with four or six MOS transistors per bit, SRAM retains data as long as power is supplied, without needing refresh cycles.
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
ROM allows data to be read but not modified, and it retains information even when powered off. It includes fixed ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), and erasable ROM (EPROM).
Flash Memory
Flash memory is a type of electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) with improved architecture and manufacturing processes, offering faster erasure and higher integration compared to conventional EEPROM.
Analog and Digital Signals
Analog signals are continuous in both time and amplitude, such as temperature and speed.
Digital signals are binary, represented by two distinct voltage levels corresponding to logic "0" and "1".
Communication-Related Terms
Parallel Communication
A communication method where all bits of data are transmitted simultaneously over multiple parallel data lines. Examples include 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit parallel transmission.
Serial Communication
A communication method where data is transmitted bit by bit sequentially over a single data line (single-ended signaling) or a differential pair (differential signaling). It saves wiring but is generally slower than parallel communication.
Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)
SPI is a serial communication protocol mainly used for microcontroller (MCU) peripheral expansion. It supports devices like ADCs and clock chips that feature SPI interfaces.
Inter-Integrated Circuit (IΒ²C)
IΒ²C is a two-wire serial bus developed by Philips, primarily used for connecting MCUs with peripheral devices on a circuit board.
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
USB is a widely used data communication interface offering high-speed transmission and strong noise resistance. It is extensively used in computers, mobile devices, household appliances, and other embedded systems.
Controller Area Network (CAN)
CAN is a fully digital, open-standard fieldbus control network, commonly used in automotive electronics.
Joint Test Action Group (JTAG)
JTAG is a standardized interface developed for testing integrated circuits. It is also used for MCU programming and debugging, allowing access to chip registers and verifying pin connections between IEEE-compliant devices.
Serial Wire Debug (SWD)
SWD is a low-pin-count and high-performance alternative to JTAG, using only two pins for debugging. It is commonly used for programming and debugging small-package microcontrollers and is compatible with all ARM processors.
Functionality-Related Terms
Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC) & Digital-to-Analog Conversion (DAC)
ADC: Converts an analog voltage signal (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure) into a corresponding digital value, enabling MCUs to process real-world physical measurements.
DAC: Converts digital signals into analog voltage signals for applications like audio processing and control systems.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
PWM is a digital-to-analog conversion technique that generates a repetitive high-low signal with adjustable duty cycles. It is widely used for motor speed control, LED dimming, and power regulation.
Watchdog Timer (WDT)
A watchdog timer is an automatic timer designed to prevent software malfunctions. If the program enters an unintended state and fails to reset the watchdog timer, the system will automatically restart to restore normal operation.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
LCD is a widely used display technology in electronic devices. It can be categorized into three types: segment display, character dot-matrix display, and graphic dot-matrix display.
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