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Embedded systems are electronic or computer systems used to control, display or monitor physical processes. The microcontroller, microprocessor, FPGA modules and their related application fields and working principles is critical to understand the operation of such embedded systems. In this article, we will discuss the application fields and working principles of microcontroller, microprocessor, FPGA modules and how they are used in embedded systems.

The microcontroller is a single chip, single board processing unit designed for low cost and relatively low-power applications. It consists of a processor core and associated circuitry. The core may be a 8-bit RISC core, or a 32-bit ARM processor. The associated circuitry is composed of a clock generator, random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM) for storage of program code, analog-to-digital converter, Pulse width modulators, power source, input and output ports, timer and watchdog timer, PLL and serial communication peripherals. Microcontrollers have a limited instruction set, however it is relatively easy to program the microcontroller and the software development is faster compared to the microprocessors and FPGA devices.

The microprocessor is a higher-end embedded system processor which is physically larger than the microcontroller. Microprocessors contain more hardware, such as cache memory and multiple cores, which gives them more flexibility than microcontrollers. They tend to be used in more complex embedded systems, such as hand-held devices and automobiles, as they can handle multiple tasks and processes simultaneously.

FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. FPGA is an array of circuits that can be programmed with software and configured in a way to perform certain tasks. FPGA is more expensive than both microcontrollers and microprocessors, and is suggested for more complex embedded systems. FPGA are programmed to perform high-speed arithmetic and operations, like image processing, networking, DSP and various communication protocols such as Ethernet and USB.

The application fields for microcontrollers and microprocessors are mostly limited to low-power applications, where the performance is not essential, such as domestic appliances and toys, but they can also be used in small industrial robots and automation systems. FPGA, on the other hand, are used in highly complex embedded systems and higher power requirements, including photography, multimedia and automotive systems.

The working principle of the microcontroller, microprocessor, and FPGA all come down to how they process the instructions given to them. The processor core is the most important part in each of these devices, and it is basically responsible for executing the instructions given to it. The microcontroller and microprocessor are basically the same in this regard, but the microprocessor tends to process the instructions faster due to its faster clock speed. FPGA, on the other hand, is a custom configured machine and the instructions are pre-defined, which makes the execution of instructions significantly faster compared to the microcontroller and microprocessor.

In summary, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and FPGA all have their own advantages and application fields. The microcontroller is the cheapest option, and it is easy to program and use in simple embedded systems. The microprocessor is more complex, but it is used in more complex embedded systems such as hand-held devices and automobiles. And last but not least, FPGA are used for higher power requirements and the execution of instructions is significantly faster.

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