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Micro-Controllers pg3: Gotchas

[last updated: 2019-08-15]
go to: microcontroller presentation pg1
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Two Gotchas:

Voltage and current

Vcc: Some MC's run with 5vdc, others use 3.3vdc

If you connect a sensor or other external device that puts out 5v into a MC input that only handles 3.3v, the smoke escapes.
Some MC's that run at 3.3v can in fact tolerate 5v inputs. Read the specs carefully.

Output drive current for most MC outputs is very low, perhaps 20ma
That's fine if you're just lighting an LED, but for solenoids or motors, you'll need driver circuits in between the MC output and your external devices.

Enclosures & connections to the real world:

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go to: microcontroller presentation pg2 - Examples
go to: microcontroller presentation pg4 - Comparisons
go to: microcontroller presentation pg5 - Programming
go to: microcontroller presentation pg6 - Shields
go to: microcontroller presentation pg7 - Ham Projects
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