Microcontroller vs. Microprocessor — Integrated Resources and Typical Use A microcontroller differs from a general-purpose microprocessor because it integrates several ________ ports and ________ on-chip, making it well suited for ________ applications.

Introduction / Context:
Microcontrollers (MCUs) are system-on-chip devices built for embedded tasks. Unlike microprocessors (MPUs), which usually require external memory and peripherals, MCUs integrate the essential components for stand-alone operation, making them ideal for control-oriented applications such as appliances, automotive subsystems, and IoT nodes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• MCUs include GPIO (general-purpose input/output) ports.
• Nonvolatile and volatile memory (Flash/ROM, SRAM) are typically on-chip.
• Target domain: deterministic control tasks rather than heavy general-purpose computing.

Concept / Approach:
By integrating I/O, memory, timers, ADC/DAC, and communication peripherals, MCUs minimize external components. This lowers cost and power while enabling fast, predictable interactions with sensors and actuators—hallmarks of control applications.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify key MCU resources: I/O ports and embedded memory.Match to application domain: control-focused tasks (closed-loop control, scheduling, interfacing).Contrast with MPU: external buses for memory/peripherals; optimized for high-level processing.Therefore, the correct completion is “input/output, memory, control.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Datasheets for common MCUs (e.g., AVR, PIC, ARM Cortex-M) list multiple GPIO ports, Flash/EEPROM, SRAM, timers, and serial interfaces, all on-chip, confirming suitability for control.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• parallel, logic gates, processing: Too vague and misses the integrated memory.
• communication, PROMs, control: Communication is present but not the defining pair compared to I/O and memory; PROMs alone are insufficient.
• data, memory, decoding: “Data” and “decoding” are nonspecific in this context.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming microprocessors and microcontrollers are interchangeable; system integration level and target applications differ significantly.

Final Answer:
input/output, memory, control