Microcontroller

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A programmable, digital device that include an integrated central processing unit (CPU), memory (a small amount of RAM and/or program memory) and the capablility to connect directly to certain peripheral devices without requireing addition interface ICs.

Although most BEAMers prefer to not rely on these dsevices, they have begun to pop up from time to time. Especially in what are called Horse & Rider configurations, which are BEAM/Microcontroller Hybrids.

[edit] Popular Microcontrollers

The following is a list of a few microcontrollers that are commonly used by Robotics hobbyist.

AVRs are great microcontollers produced by Amtel
Basic Stamps are a single-board computers, manufactured by Parallax, which run the Parallax PBASIC language interpreter in its microcontroller.
PIC microcontrollers, which are manufactured by Microchip.
PICAXE microcontrollers are easy to use, re-programmable chips that can be used as low-cost 'brains'.
OOPICs, manufactured by Savage Innovations
Rabbit specializes in high-performance 8-bit microprocessors and development tools and kits.