Eighty-Five-One series microcomputer compressed into a solitary semiconductor chip.
In the realm of microcontrollers, the Intel 8051 series, though discontinued by its original maker, persists in modern chips due to its user-friendly programming. This enduring popularity is particularly prominent in educational and hobbyist settings.
Among the contemporary applications of the 8051 microcontroller, a noteworthy example is the single chip computer board, designed to emulate the original 40-pin DIP format but leveraging modern chips like the CH558 or CH559. These clones boast enhanced features compared to the originals, and they lack the external support chips that were once necessary for the original.
Positioned alongside more advanced contemporary CPUs, the appeal of the modern 8051 clone remains evident. Engaging with this technology harkens back to its prominence in university teaching microcontrollers several decades ago. One such retrospective example is the emergence of an Arduino clone specifically tailored for the 8051.
However, the 8051 microcontroller is not confined to these specific designs. Modern 8051 clones such as the CH558, CH559, or the Nuvoton MG51 series are prevalent in a variety of embedded systems, thanks to their compatibility with the original 8051 instruction set while offering improved features. Their ease of use and compatibility with existing software tools continue to make them appealing choices.
While the 8051 microcontroller may seem outdated for many modern applications, its legacy and educational value ensure its relevance in certain sectors, particularly among hobbyists and educators. This enduring appeal underscores the enduring fascination with this technology.
Arduino, a modern example of an educational and hobbyist microcontroller, offers a retrospective take on the 8051 microcontroller's popularity in university teaching, emulating its functionality with advanced features. Programming microcontrollers like the Arduino, which includes the Arduino 8051 clone, can be an appealing technology choice due to their ease of use and compatibility with existing software tools.
