Intro to Microcontrollers | Part 3

What is an internal timer of a micro-controller

    The internal timer of a microcontroller is a hardware module that is essential for controlling the timing of events within the microcontroller. Typically integrated into the microcontroller chip, the timer can be accessed through software commands and operates using a counter that is incremented by a clock signal from an internal or external source. This counter value is stored in a register, allowing the microcontroller to read and write to it. The timer can be configured to operate in various modes, including timer, counter, and pulse-width modulation modes, which makes it a versatile tool for a range of applications such as time-keeping, pulse generation, and frequency measurement. In addition, internal timers can be programmed to trigger interrupts or other events when specific timer conditions are met, enabling the microcontroller to respond to timing events in real-time and control system behavior. Overall, the internal timer is a critical component of a microcontroller and is widely used in embedded systems applications, allowing for the generation of precise timing events and the ability to interact with the external world.

Advantages of using internal timers over delay function.

•  Precision: Internal timers provide a more precise and accurate timing mechanism than delay functions, which are often affected by variations in system clock speed and other factors. 
• Flexibility: Internal timers can be configured to generate timing events of different durations, frequencies, and duty cycles, making them more versatile than delay functions. 
•  Multitasking: Internal timers can be used to generate timing events while the microcontroller performs other tasks, allowing for more efficient use of system resources and enabling the microcontroller to perform multiple functions simultaneously. 
• Real-time responsiveness: Internal timers can be programmed to trigger interrupts or other events in real-time, allowing the microcontroller to respond to external events or user inputs with minimal delay. 
• Reduced code size: Using internal timers can often result in smaller and more efficient code than using delay functions, which can be particularly important in applications with limited memory or processing power.

What is an interrupt?

     An interrupt is a signal sent to a microcontroller or other processor that temporarily halts the currently running program and directs the processor to execute a specific task or function. Interrupts are used to handle time-critical events and to enable the processor to respond to external inputs or events in real-time. When an interrupt occurs, the processor saves the current state of the program, including the instruction pointer and any relevant registers, and switches to an interrupt service routine (ISR) that handles the specific task or function associated with the interrupt. Once the ISR is complete, the processor returns to the original program and resumes execution from where it left off. 

    Interrupts can be triggered by a range of events, including external inputs such as button presses or sensor readings, timer or clock signals, and software commands. Interrupts can be prioritized to ensure that higher-priority tasks are handled first, and they can be enabled or disabled as needed to control the flow of program execution.

 The purpose of reset in micro-controller

     The purpose of a reset in a microcontroller is to restore the device to a known state and start executing the program from the beginning. When a microcontroller is reset, all of its internal registers and memory locations are initialized to their default values, and the program counter is set to the beginning of the program memory. There are several reasons why a microcontroller may need to be reset, including:

•  Initialization: Reset is often used during system initialization to ensure that all of the device's internal registers and memory locations are initialized to their default values.
• Recovery from errors: If a microcontroller encounters an error or fault condition, a reset can be used to restore the device to a known state and attempt to recover from the error. 
• Programming: When programming a microcontroller, a reset is often used to ensure that the device is in a known state before programming begins. 
• Debugging: Reset can be used during the debugging process to help isolate and diagnose program errors