Elenco Snap Circuits SnapMicro ® I Standard - Manual (Page 8)

7
The U21 Snap Circuit
®
module is designed to accept any 8 pin integrated
circuit. If not already installed, remove the 8 pin integrated circuit (micro-
controller chip) from its package and carefully install it as shown
here
Make sure the dot on the integrated circuit and the red dot on the socket
are in the same corner.
The red numbers printed on this picture correspond to the integrated
circuit leads on the part. The blue numbers are printed on the socket
platform and are the pin numbers used by the programming editor. In all
situations we will use the blue numbers in this picture to reference the
output or input pin.
WHAT IS A MICRO-CONTROLLER?
A micro-
controller is a ‘computer-on-a-chip’. It’s an integrated circuit that contains memory, logic,
processing, and input/output circuitry. Micro-controllers are programmed with specific instructions to
control many different devices. Once programmed the micro-controller is built into a product to make the
product more intelligent and easier to use.
For example, a microwave oven uses a single micro-controller to process information
from the keypad, display user information on a display, and control the turntable motor,
light, bell and cooking time.
One micro-controller can often replace a number of separate parts, or even complete electronic circuits.
Applications that use micro-controllers include household appliances, alarm
systems, medical equipment, vehicle subsystems, musical instruments, and
electronic instrumentation. Some modern cars contain many micro-controllers
used for engine management and remote locking.