01
 
02
 
03
 
04
 
05
 
06
 
07
 
08
 
09
 
10
 
11
 
12
 
13
 
14
 
15
 
16
 
17
 
18
 
19
 
20
 
21

Billions of Hidden Microprocessors

Home appliances

Household appliances, security systems, and entertainment devices contain multiple microcontrollers. The chip in this coffee maker delivers a precise volume of water at the perfect brewing temperature.

Billions of Hidden Microprocessors

Many people know that microprocessors are the “brains” in their computers. Few know that the great bulk of microprocessors—99%—are used outside computers.

Highly integrated single-chip microprocessors, called microcontrollers, are programmed for tasks in airplanes, appliances, autos, cell phones, toys, and more. They have not just revolutionized computers. They’ve revolutionized everything.

Entertainment systems

The iPod shuffle music player uses a microprocessor to search for favorite songs and organize them into playlists.

View Artifact Detail
Mobile phone

Microprocessors embedded in smartphones allow them to function as address books, calculators, cameras, portable internet web browsers and more.

View Artifact Detail
Automobiles

Most of the motors, controls, safety devices, entertainment and convenience features in modern passenger cars are managed by microcontrollers.

View Artifact Detail
Aircraft controls

A modern airplane’s instruments, equipment and structure is monitored and controlled by multiple computers and microcontrollers.

View Artifact Detail
Electronic toys

This Sony Aibo toy contains a microcontroller that recognizes human speech so it can respond to spoken commands.

View Artifact Detail
22
 
23