microcontroller
nounUK /ˌmaɪ.krəʊ.kənˈtrəʊ.lə/
US /ˌmaɪ.kroʊ.kənˈtroʊ.lɚ/
A tiny computer on a chip that tells small machines what to do.
The toy robot moves because a microcontroller inside it follows a set of instructions.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A compact integrated circuit that includes a processor, memory, and input/output parts for controlling devices.
Engineers programmed the microcontroller to open the garage door when it received a signal.
3. The central control chip inside household appliances and gadgets.
The washing machine's microcontroller decides how long each wash cycle should last.
4. A small programmable chip used in electronics projects and hobby kits.
She connected an LED to the microcontroller and wrote a few lines of code to make it blink.