Explore the world of microprocessors and microcontrollers

If integrated circuits and the associated embedded systems design or advanced digital design entice you, an M.Tech. in Embedded Systems Design will lend you the knowledge and expertise to make you an industry-ready professional

In today’s world, technology is ubiquitous and ever-evolving. Of the prevailing technologies, microprocessors and microcontrollers have become extremely popular. The history of ICs (Integrated Circuits) dates back to the 1940s, when the first general-purpose programmable computer system was built using vacuum tubes. Then came the era of transistors in the 1950s. Integrated Circuits came into focus in 1964 when a large number of transistors were embedded on a single silicon chip.

There’s hardly any gadget or machine left today whose functions haven’t been shaped by these microcontrollers yet. These minuscule IC devices make the world around us smarter and more efficient. Being small, inexpensive and hugely versatile, these devices can be programmed and implemented in any device. ICs are used in low-cost wearables, medical equipment, high-end consumer electronics, military and aerospace systems as well as in high-end consumer goods and rugged industrial devices. The list of their possible applications is endless. Any engineer who wants to amp up his repertoire undoubtedly needs to be proficient in microcontroller-based circuit design. 

Even though both microcontrollers and microprocessors function as small but highly integrated computer systems, they are slightly different from each other. Usually, the term ‘processor’ refers to a system consisting of a central processing unit (CPU) and some memory. 

A microprocessor is a programmable silicon chip or IC, with a CPU, having computing and decision-making capabilities. When a microprocessor is connected with other ICs providing storage for input/output data and programs, the formed network becomes the heart of a small computer. Some examples of microprocessors are Intel 8085 – an 8-bit microprocessor and Intel 8086 – a 16-bit microprocessor.

While microprocessors are highly useful, a standalone microprocessor is not a complete system. Some other components and peripherals need to be connected to the microprocessor. When a microprocessor is brought together with other required peripherals such as RAM and ROM and Input and Output ports, on a single integrated circuit, we call it a microcontroller.

Microcontrollers are more economical than microprocessors because they help to reduce the cost, size and complexity of the system. A majority of the automated devices and products around us today use embedded systems based on microcontrollers, including home appliances, gadgets and devices, automobile engines, flight control systems, traffic lights, etc.

Microcontrollers represent the middle ground for engineers and controllers. You not only require a good knowledge of programming for creating proper firmware but also require a working knowledge of electronics for the interaction with the program in the microcontroller. ICs, as such, concern both the software and hardware aspects of engineering. As an engineering student, if ICs and the associated embedded systems design or advanced digital design entice you, we have got the right postgraduate program to lend you the knowledge and expertise to make you an industry-ready professional.

Why study M.Tech. in Embedded Systems Design at UPES

The M.Tech. in Embedded Systems Design at UPES seeks to upscale the foundations and principles of engineering, computational tools and systematic processes among young graduates looking forward to claiming the technology sector. It is a 2-year program that aims to equip students with the expertise and know-how to develop software and hardware tools for designing embedded applications. The program is based on a practice-oriented curriculum and will have students collaborating via various courses and projects directly with the industry. The course has been developed in consultation with industry experts and will enrich students’ learning and calibre to make them industry-ready.

Being a work-integrated program, the course opens up career avenues in software development, application developer, research, testing applications, systems analysis, IT coordination, and entrepreneurship.