Microcontroller usage stats

[psycho]

I have to give an informative speech in class. I chose the topic of Microcontrollers (What they are, where they are used, etc). I have searched for references on the number of microcontrollers sold (not in dollars, but units). The best I have found is data from 2002 or something like that (maybe it was 2006).

Anyone know of a reliable site that has data like this? I have to cite my sources so it has to be reliable and verifiable.

Thanks,
Kevin

[haklesup]

Include the term "embedded systems" in your research. This is the general term for circuits that incorporate microcontrollers and firmware. Also tack on some search terms like "Buyers Guide" or "development kit"

Look for these magazine websites

EDN, Design News, Embedded.com, I've seen 5-10 page buyers guides in the last year but I can't put my finger on it now.

Comb the search tools on Digikey and Mouser. Keep in mind these things come in families so you might get dozens of part numbers describing various speed and memory sizes of otherwise identical computing cores. Maybe the paper DigiKey catalog is easier to parse.

Find out if the embedded systems conference is coming to a city near you. I just went to the one in San jose a few weeks ago and came out with 2 developers kits from ST Micro and Atmel for free. It also inspired a bunch of design ideas. You can interview experts for quotes and insights for your speach

Maybe you can take a look at software tools as well. Most UControllers come with a free Integrated Development system as well as more comprehensive paid platforms. You could look at the number of uControllers suppoeted in libraries in programs like NI's MultiSim (schematic capture and simulation of some uControllers, they have a software option)

This is a very comprehensive topic. I'm sure many of us would enjoy reading the copy from your speach if you care to post it.

[psycho]

Well, it is only a 4-6 minute speech. It is for my speech class so it can't be too technical, either. Just the basics of what it is, where they are used, etc. And, it has to be done using an outline. If you write it out word-for-word, you will get an F on it (the teacher has warned us over and over about that - "This is a speech class-not a reading class")... so I won't have any written speech to post

Kevin

[haklesup]

4-6 minutes, that's not too bad. It should be easy for you.

I have 4 hours to fill in November at a symposium workshop but its a topic I have worked with for nearly 20 years so I could just spew that stuff all day long (and sometimes I do)

The most consice definitions of the Microcontroller I have seen center on comparing it to a CPU in a PC. Take one of those, strip it down to essential finctions, slow it down, add memory and some analog functions on the chip and you have a uC. Most people are familiar with the chip in their PC and it serves as a solid comparison though you may have to define it a little too for contrast. Pointing out there is at least one in just about any consumer electronic device is also a solid fact along with some examples.

Another important fact to point out might be that current development in these products is to reduce power supply current in an effort to make them and the products they go in "greener" and for battreries to last longer.

They are used to control measurement systems, LCD Displays, touch screens, capacitive touch buttons, music players, LED lighting systems, wireless products, just about every function in a modern car and on and on and on


Maybe take a look at the apps notes and product descriptions on a few manufacturer websites
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/app_n ... ily_id=607
http://www.st.com/mcu/

[psycho]

I have the speech pretty much done. What I am having a hard time finding are the sales numbers for uC's. In number of units sold instead of a dollar figure. The newest stats I could find were from either 2002 or 2006...

[haklesup]

The only relaible source of IC usage statistics and market research (I know if) is

http://www.isuppli.com/Pages/Home.aspx

I don't know if the information you want will be free or not though. Most of the reports are divided along consumer markets rather than semi markets but there are quarterly reports on semi industry. Search on microcontroller and see what you get

Looks like you missed ESC last month in Chicago, you should plan to go next year.


Here are some I found searching on "semiconductor market research" and there were others
http://www.marketresearch.com/browse.asp?categoryid=326
http://www.semi.org/en/index.htm
http://www.semicast.net/

[psycho]

I wanted to go to ESC Chicago. But, it was going on right after I started school. Hopefully I will get to go next year!

Thanks for the info,
Kevin