A microcontroller is a self-contained device that includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, clock circuity and I/O circuity on a single integrated circuit (IC) package. A microcontroller does not require accompanying support chips for its operation as conventional microprocessors do.
A microcontroller often replace analog circuits by performing the signal processing functions of a comparator, limiter, rectifier, logarithmic amplifier, integrator, differentiator, active filter and phase-sensitive demodulator in software. A microcontroller can also be termed to as digital microcomputer.
The use of a microcontroller generally results in fewer IC packages hence reduced complexity. This offers cost and space advantage. Additionally, microcontroller’s ability for self-calibration and detection of errors enhances the reliability of the biomedical instrument.
Microcontrollers can provide self-calibration for biomedical measurement systems, automatic sequence of events and an easy way to enter patient data such as weight, height, etc. for calculating expected or normal performance. All these functions are made possible by the principle structure of the microcontroller system.
Microcontrollers which are stand-alone systems for applications in data acquisition system and control have analog-to-digital convertors on chip, which enable them direct use in in biomedical instrumentation. We also have microcontrollers with chip communication controller, which is designed for applications requiring local intelligence at remote nodes and communication capability among these distributed nodes.
Related: The application of Microprocessors in Medical Instrumentation
Because of the microcontroller decreased hardware design & board density, and low cost maintenance, they are commonly employed in portable medical equipment.
