A microcontroller ( MC , UC , or μC ) or microcontroller
unit ( MCU ) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit. A
microcontroller contains one or more CPUs (processor cores) along with memory
and programmable input/output peripherals. Program memory in the form of
ferroelectric RAM, NOR flash or OTP ROM is also often included on chip, as
well as a small amount of RAM. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded
applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or
other general purpose applications consisting of various discrete chips.
In modern terminology, a microcontroller is similar to, but less sophisticated
than, a system on a chip (SoC).