Knowledge corner｜MCU Evolution History

Since the early 1970s when Intel successfully developed the first microprocessor 4004, microcontrollers as an important branch of microcomputers have undergone decades of development, with their application scope continually expanding. This article will introduce the development history of microcontrollers and their widespread applications in industrial control and intelligence fields.

The development of microcontrollers can be divided into the following four stages:

First Generation Microcontrollers (1974-1976)

This was the early stage of microcontroller development with relatively backward manufacturing processes and low integration, mainly in the form of dual chips. Representative products include Intel's F8+3851 and Mostek's 3870.

Second Generation Microcontrollers (1976-1978)

This stage achieved computer integration on a single chip, marking an important milestone in the history of microcomputers. Microcontroller applications entered the field of measurement and control, ushering in the era of intelligent industrial control. Intel's MCS-48 series is a typical representative of this stage.

Third Generation Microcontrollers (1979-1982)

This was the mature stage of 8-bit microcontroller development. It truly pioneered the development path of microcontrollers as microcontrollers, featuring a wide variety, strong compatibility, rich software/hardware resources, and high performance. Representative products include Intel's MCS-51 series, Motorola's MC6801 series, and Zilog's Z8 series.

Fourth Generation Microcontrollers (after 1983)

This is the high-speed stage of microcontroller development, with various types of microcontrollers such as high-performance 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit microcontrollers developing in parallel. In addition, microcontrollers also implemented functions such as high-speed I/O ports, Watchdog Timer (WDT) for external event detection and triggering, as well as analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters to meet sensor interface requirements. Major electrical companies worldwide have introduced their own series of microcontrollers, resulting in a wide variety and large quantity of microcontrollers. Representative products include Intel's MCS-96 series and Motorola's M68HC08 series.

The widespread application of microcontrollers has made them an important pillar of microcomputers. In the field of industrial control, microcontrollers are widely used in measurement and control systems, automation equipment, and intelligent production lines, playing a key role. They can implement various complex control algorithms and real-time tasks to improve production efficiency and quality. Meanwhile, microcontrollers also play an important role in consumer electronics, communication devices, household appliances, and other fields.

With the continuous advancement of technology, microcontrollers introduced since the 1990s have higher performance, more functions, and lower power consumption, further driving the development of microcontrollers. So far, microcontrollers have accounted for over 80% of the entire microcomputer production, with 8-bit microcontrollers alone representing over 60% of the overall microcontroller production. This indicates that 8-bit microcontrollers remain mainstream in industrial detection and control applications.

Microcontrollers have made tremendous progress over the decades of development. From the dual-chip form in the initial stage to high-performance 32-bit microcontrollers, their functions continue to enhance, and their application areas expand. The widespread application of microcontrollers in industrial control and intelligence fields has increased production efficiency and ensured quality. With technological advancements, the future development prospects of microcontrollers remain broad and are expected to continue driving the progress of industrial automation and intelligence.