ROM (from Read-Only Memory) in microcontroller-based systems is non-volatile memory used to store permanent data such as the system's firmware. RAM (from Random-Access Memory) in microcontroller-based systems is a volatile memory used to store temporary data such as the system's firmware variables. The following table summarizes Arduino boards microcontrollers architectures: BoardĪll the different memory units inside a microcontroller can be divided into two main types: RAM and ROM. While AVR® family microcontrollers are based on the Harvard architecture model, ARM® family microcontrollers can be based on either von Neuman or Harvard architectures models. Arduino® Boards ArchitecturesĪrduino® boards are mainly based on two families of microcontrollers: AVR® and ARM®. However, Harvard architecture is not always used in microcontrollers some microcontroller families use hybrid or Von Neumann architecture models. They must perform defined tasks reliably and efficiently, with low or constrained resources this is why the Harvard architecture model is mainly used in microcontrollers: microcontrollers have a small program and data memory that needs to be accessed simultaneously. Microcontrollers are usually used in embedded applications. Modern computing systems use hybrid architectures models that maximize performance using the best of both worlds, the von Neumann and the Harvard models. Both memory units in the Harvard architecture are accessed by the CPU using different communication buses. This architecture's main characteristic is that it uses two separate memory units, one for storing program instructions and one for storing program data. The Harvard architecture, named after the Harvard Mark I relay-based computer, was first introduced in the mid '40s. Von Neumann's architecture is fundamental since nearly all digital computers design have been based on this architecture. This architecture stores program data and instructions in the same memory unit.īoth are accessed by the CPU using the same communications bus, as shown below. It is also known as the Princeton architecture. The von Neumann architecture, named after the mathematician, physicist, and computer scientist John von Neumann, was first introduced in the mid '40s. In the early days of computing, two computer architectures, i.e., the organization of the components inside a computing system, emerged: von Neumann and Harvard. Memory Architectures 101Ĭomputer architecture is a vast topic we will focus on a general picture that will let us understand how memory is organized in the microcontrollers used in Arduino® boards. Non-volatile memory is permanent memory data is not lost even if the system is turned off. Volatile memory is a temporary memory, this means that data is stored while the system is running, but it is lost forever when the system is turned off. Memory in computing systems can be volatile or non-volatile. Information in memory cells is stored using binary digits (bits), usually organized in bytes (8-bits) it can also be retrieved later by the MCU or other components of a microcontroller-based system. Memory arrays are divided into cells that can store data and be accessed using a unique identifier representing its address or position relative to the memory array. Memory blocks are semiconductor devices that store and retrieve information or data a microcontroller central processing unit (CPU) uses and processes data stored in memory blocks to perform specific tasks.Īs shown in the image below, memory blocks in microcontrollers are usually described as arrays. Memory blocks are essential parts of modern embedded systems, especially microcontroller-based ones. We will also explore several ways to manage, measure, and optimize memory usage in Arduino-based systems. In this article, we will explore memory organization in microcontrollers, focusing on those present in Arduino® boards. One essential part of a microcontroller is its memory memory stores information temporarily or permanently in microcontrollers, and can be used for several purposes. Microcontrollers today are everywhere they are an essential part of modern embedded systems that can be found practically everywhere in our world, from smart watches to electric vehicles they are even on the Martian surface right now. Usually, this type of IC gathers information or data from its surroundings, processes it, and generates specific outputs according to the gathered data. A microcontroller unit (also known as an MCU) is an integrated circuit (IC), typically used to perform specific applications or tasks.
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