5.
1 Microcontroller survey: 4-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit MCUs
• Explain the differences between microcontrollers and microprocessors. (high)
• Compare 4-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit microcontrollers with examples. (moderate)
Aspect 4-bit MCU 8-bit MCU 16-bit MCU 32-bit MCU
Data Bus Width 4 bits (processes 4 8 bits (processes 8 16 bits (processes 16 32 bits (processes 32 bits
bits per cycle) bits per cycle) bits per cycle) per cycle)
Typical 4-bit ALU; small 8-bit ALU; 8-bit 16-bit ALU; 16-bit 32-bit ALU; 32-bit
ALU/Register Size registers (e.g., 4-8 registers registers registers
bits)
Addressable Memory Limited, often 1-4 Up to 64 KB (16-bit Up to 64 KB to 1 Up to 4 GB (32-bit
(Theoretical Max) KB (address bus address bus MB (16-20 bit address bus)
typically 8-12 bits, common) address bus)
up to 4KB)
Performance Low; suitable for Moderate; handles Higher; better for High; supports advanced
basic arithmetic and byte-level operations signal processing computing, floating-point
logic; slow for efficiently; limited and control loops ops, and multitasking
complex tasks for multitasking
Power Consumption Very low (e.g., <1 Low (e.g., 1-10 Moderate (e.g., 10- Higher (e.g., 50-500
mW); ideal for mW); energy- 50 mW); balances mW+); but optimized
battery-powered efficient for power and low-power variants exist
devices embedded use performance
Cost Very low (e.g., Low (e.g., $0.50-$5) Moderate (e.g., $1- Higher (e.g., $2-$20+),
<$0.50 per unit in $10) but decreasing with scale
bulk)
Applications Simple devices like General embedded Industrial High-end IoT,
calculators, toys, systems, home automation, medical automotive ECUs,
basic sensors, and appliances, devices, advanced consumer electronics, AI
low-end appliances automotive controls, motor control, low- edge processing
IoT sensors power wireless
Advantages Ultra-low Widespread Better precision and Superior
cost/power; compact availability; mature speed without speed/multitasking; large
size ecosystem; sufficient excessive power memory support; modern
for most basic tasks software stacks
Disadvantages Limited Struggles with large Less common than Higher power/cost;
functionality; data sets or high- 8/32-bit; higher cost overkill for simple tasks
obsolete for modern speed processing than 8-bit
apps; poor
scalability
• State why 8051 is classified as an 8-bit microcontroller. (moderate)
The 8051 is called an 8-bit microcontroller because it processes 8 bits
of data every machine cycle. All assembly instructions happen 8-bits at
a time. Also, all internal registers are 8-bit in size and all read and write
operations happen 8-bits at a time
5.2 Introduction to 8051 and its family
• Write features of the 8051 microcontroller. (high)
• List variants of the 8051 family and their differences.
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5.3 Pin description, internal architecture, programming model
Draw and explain the internal architecture of 805
• Draw and explain the pin diagram of 8051. (high — almost guaranteed)
• Explain the function of each port and control signal. (moderate)
5.4 Internal memory organization and SFR
• Explain the internal memory organization of the 8051 with a neat diagram. (high)
• What are Special Function Registers (SFR)? Give examples. (moderate)
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• Explain bit-addressable RAM and its use. (moderate)
5.5 The timer control (TMOD) register and SFRs
• Explain the TMOD register format and its functions. (high)
• Write an example to configure a timer in Mode 1. (high)
5.6 The timer mode control (TCON) register and SFRs
• Explain the TCON register format and its functions. (high)
• Differentiate between TMOD and TCON. (moderate)
5.7 Timer modes of operation (Mode 1, 2, 3)
• Explain timer modes (Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3) with diagrams. (high — very
common)
• Write a program to generate a time delay using Mode 2. (high)
5.8 Addressing modes and instruction set
• Explain different addressing modes of 8051 with examples. (high — theory + small
code)
• Classify and explain the instruction set of 8051 (data transfer, arithmetic, logical,
branching). (moderate)
5.9 Programming in Assembly and C
5.9.1 Basic data transfer, arithmetic, and logic
• Write an assembly program to add/subtract two 8-bit numbers. (high)
• Write an assembly program to perform AND/OR/XOR operations. (moderate)
5.9.2 Multiplication and division
• Write an assembly program to multiply/divide two numbers. (high)
5.9.3 Conditions and loops
• Write a program to find the largest of two numbers. (moderate)
• Write a program to count from 0 to 99 using a loop. (moderate)
5.9.4 Array processing and lookup tables
• Write a program to find the sum of an array of 10 numbers. (moderate)
• Explain how lookup tables are used in 8051 programming. (low to moderate)
5.9.5 Use of timers for delay and pulse generation
• Write a program to generate a square wave of given frequency using a timer. (high
— practical question)
• Explain how timers are used to create accurate delays. (moderate)
5.9.6 Interfacing with seven-segment and LCD display
• Write a program to display 0–9 on a seven-segment display. (high — very common
practical)
• Explain the steps to interface 8051 with an LCD (16x2). (high)
• Draw the connection diagram of seven-segment or LCD interface. (moderate)
Most Important Topics (High Weightage)
1. Pin diagram and internal architecture of 8051
2. TMOD and TCON registers + timer modes (Mode 1, 2, 3)
3. Assembly programs: addition, multiplication, delay generation using timers
4. Internal memory organization + SFR details
5. Interfacing with seven-segment and LCD
6. Addressing modes with examples
