Embedded systems characteristics. Microprocessors versus micro controllers. Micro controller characteristics. General-purpose micro controllers. Examples of micro controller architectures. Interrupts, counters/timers, Input/output ports. Micro controller programming. Instruction set. Program development and use of assemblers. Memory maps and addressing modes. Digital to analogue and analogue to digital conversion in micro controllers. Data acquisition and distribution. Serial and parallel communications. Real-time system and its constraints. Interfacing to external devices. Power consumption consideration. Applications.