Datasheet: MCUs with Built-In Security

Compact Computing without a Security Penalty

- By Curtis Franklin, Editor-In-Chief

Microcontrollers were traditionally computing units focused on small size and low power consumption. That meant sacrificing “unnecessary” functions such as built- in security. Today, we know security is anything but a luxury and a new generation of MCUs brings security to the table along with traditional MCU strengths.

A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern specific operations in embedded systems. Unlike general-purpose processors that handle diverse computing tasks, MCUs are optimized to perform dedicated control functions. They combine essential components—including a processor core, memory, and input/output (I/O) peripherals—onto a single chip, offering an efficient solution for tasks that demand real- time responsiveness and low power consumption.

Unlike microprocessors used in PCs, MCUs operate without the need for external components for basic functions. MCUs are the processing units at the core of countless everyday electronic devices; their versatility and affordability make them foundational elements in modern embedded systems, where function-specific control and energy efficiency are key.

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