# Microcontroller Like our brain, a microcontroller is responsible for processing loads of information it receives from inputs, stores away data in its memory, and tells different outputs what to do. However, a microcontroller refers to only the computer that makes up a small part of a larger [embedded system](#user-content-fn-1)[^1]. A fully fledged microcontroller board that will support connections to all of our sensors, motors, motor drivers, and all other hardware interfaces is what our robot needs.

Simplified block diagram of an embedded system.

### Popular microcontroller brands * STM32 * ESP32 * Arduino * Teensy

An official Arduino R3 microcontroller board

These are among a few of the most popular brands used for robot sumo and robotics projects in general. The microcontroller boards sold out there are generally very diverse and specialized for a variety of purposes, so the specs of your board should meet the requirements of your robot. We could really go on endlessly about this subject. In general, these are a few things you should consider when selecting a board: size, number of input/output pins, clock speed, peripherals, and cost. #### Size This will never not be a consideration for our sumo bot. Ideally, choose a board that is small enough while leaving room for other parts that will eventually go on your PCB (more on this in later sections). #### I/O Pins Consider the number of sensors, motors, and other devices you plan to attach to the microcontroller. A board like the[ Arduino MEGA R3](https://store.arduino.cc/products/arduino-mega-2560-rev3) is absolute overkill for a mini sumo bot (Not to mention too large). **Clock speed** When starting out, this isn't a huge consideration. Arduino works just fine for a sumo bot. Of course, a microcontroller with very clock speeds like Teensy will allow for faster response times and technical movements. #### Peripherals In addition to the number of I/O pins you want, peripherals are another consideration. Peripherals include other parts in microcontroller that help perform a specific task such as pulse width modulation (PWM), UART[^2], I2C[^3], ADC[^4], SPI[^5], etc. #### Cost As always consider cost in your budget. Microcontroller boards usually range from $10-$30. Typically, higher end microcontrollers support better performance and other hardware requirements. [^1]: Boards like the Arduino UNO are considered **development boards** which may include memory and other I/O peripherals [^2]: Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter [^3]: Pronounced "eye-squared C". One type of of communication protocol [^4]: Analog-to-digital converter [^5]: Serial peripheral interface --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://sumo.cometrobotics.org/electronics/choosing-parts-for-your-robot/microcontroller.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.