Industrial Microcontroller – List of Best Industrial Microcontrollers

Written By The IoT Academy
Published on April 22nd, 2024

Industrial microcontrollers are like tiny brains for big machines in factories. They control tasks, handle data, and help machines talk to each other smoothly. Built tough for rough environments, also they make factories work better. So, these microcontrollers are essential for many industries, from making things in factories to saving energy. In this guide, we will explore what they do, where they’re used, and which ones are leading the pack. So, get ready to discover how these little chips are changing the game in automation and robotics.

Table of Contents

What is an Industrial Microcontroller?

An industrial microcontroller is a special electronic device made for industry. It is tougher than regular ones and works reliably even in tough places. It does jobs like processing, managing inputs and outputs, as well as talking to other devices. Also helps machines work automatically in factories, robots move and manage energy usage. It is like the brain of many machines, making work smoother in industries. Like manufacturing, robotics, energy, and IoT.

Which Microcontroller is Widely Used in the Industry?

The Arduino microcontroller is super popular in industries because it’s easy to use and can do lots of things. It has strong features and tools that make it great for industrial jobs. You can use it for automation, testing, and more. It works well with many sensors and devices, making it handy. So, lots of developers and engineers like using Arduino for controlling machines in industries.

Industrial Microcontroller Applications

People use Microcontrollers in many different ways in industries. To make sure everything works well as well as to keep an eye on how things are going. Here are some common:

Automation Systems: Microcontrollers help make factories work better and safer by controlling machines and processes. Also, they can adjust things like temperature, pressure, flow, and speed to make everything run smoothly and accurately.
Process Control: Microcontrollers help control things like chemicals, and water as well as power in factories. To make sure everything is just right.
Data Logging and Monitoring: Industrial microcontrollers gather information from sensors. To check if machines are working well, find any problems, and also make sure everything runs smoothly.
Robotics: Industrial robots use microcontrollers to move around, sense things, as well as talk to the main computer. Also, they do jobs like putting things together, welding, packing, and moving stuff in factories.
SCADA Systems: Microcontrollers in SCADA systems collect information from faraway factories. So it can control how things work. Also, show operators pictures of what is happening so they can keep everything running smoothly.
Energy Management: Microcontrollers make factories save energy by controlling things. Like heating, lights, and other machines, depending on if people are there. Also, monitor what time it is, and the weather.
Motor Control: Microcontrollers make machines in factories move just right by controlling how fast they go. As well as how strong they are, and which way they go. Like making conveyor belts, pumps, and fans work perfectly.

Top Industrial Microcontrollers

Picking the right industrial microcontroller for a job. It means considering how fast it can work, and what it can connect to. Also, how it talks to other machines, and if it’s dependable. Here are some top microcontrollers for industrial applications in the market:

1. Arduino Industrial 101

The industrial Arduino microcontroller (Arduino Industrial 101) is perfect for tough environments. Because it is easy to use like regular Arduino. But it is super tough with a strong ARM Cortex-M0 processor, Wi-Fi built right in also works with industrial communication protocols. As well as Perfect for IoT and automation!

2. Texas Instruments MSP430

The MSP430 microcontrollers by Texas Instruments use very little power. So they are great for things that run on batteries or need to save energy. They have lots of extra parts you can add on. Also, can talk to different devices easily, which is why people like to use them in factories and small gadgets.

3. STM32 Series by STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics’ STM32 series has lots of microcontrollers made for factories and big machines. These industrial microcontrollers use strong ARM Cortex-M processors. which have lots of extra parts built in. Also, come with tools to help make them work well. So, People use them to run factories, control motors, and make smart devices.

4. Raspberry Pi Compute Module

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module is not like regular microcontrollers. But it is a really strong and small industrial grade microcontrollers. Also, perfect for factories and big machines. It has lots of ways to connect to other things and can run different types of software. People use it to make machines smart, show digital signs, and run projects for the Internet of Things.

5. NXP Semiconductors LPC and Kinetis families

NXP makes strong microcontrollers with special ARM Cortex-M cores just for factories and big machines. Also, they work well and have lots of extra parts built in.

Learners Also Read: Top 10 Difference Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller

Conclusion

Industrial microcontrollers are super important for making things work better in factories and big machines. They help things run smoother and more accurately in all kinds of places. From making stuff in factories to making energy in power plants. People use lots of different types. As well as Arduino, Texas Instruments MSP430, and STM32 Series by STMicroelectronics. Also, Raspberry Pi Compute Module, and NXP Semiconductors LPC and Kinetis families.

Because they are good at doing different jobs and are easy to use. These microcontrollers help smart people make things better and faster in factories. Also, they will keep getting even better as technology keeps improving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the application of microcontrollers in robotics?

Ans. Microcontrollers are like robot brains, telling them how to move, understand their surroundings, and decide what to do. They help robots do things by themselves or with people’s help, like making stuff in factories or exploring new places. They make robots smart and able to do cool stuff.

Q. Which microcontroller is widely used in industry?

Ans. The Arduino microcontroller is super popular in industries because it’s easy to use and can do lots of things. It has strong features and tools that make it great for industrial jobs. You can use it for automation, testing, and more. It works well with many sensors and devices, making it handy. So, lots of developers and engineers like using Arduino for controlling machines in industries.

About The Author:

The IoT Academy

The IoT Academy as a reputed ed-tech training institute is imparting online / Offline training in emerging technologies such as Data Science, Machine Learning, IoT, Deep Learning, and more. We believe in making revolutionary attempt in changing the course of making online education accessible and dynamic.