There are two trends in the world of electronics reveal today: an increase of the computing power and minimize of the power consumption. The emergence of devices with high computing power and low power consumption make it possible to use the compact devices with accumulator or battery power instead of bulky devices. The developers used a variety of ways to reduce the energy consumption in order to these devices can work without charge as long as possible while maintaining its compact size. This article discusses the various ways to optimize the energy consumption devices, whose main element is a microcontroller. Reviews the program, architectural and circuit design methods to reduce consumption, consider the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the possibility of using them in combination. Fundamentally new computer architectures are mentioned, which ultimately may prove to be more effective in terms of conventional energy. The brief review of some modern microcontrollers is given finally in terms of low energy consumption.

microcontrollers, energy consumption

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