The primary components of a microcontroller typically include a CPU (central processing unit), memory, and input/output peripherals. The CPU processes instructions and controls the microcontroller's operations. Memory is divided into RAM (random access memory) for temporary data storage and ROM (read-only memory) for storing the firmware. Additionally, microcontrollers may include integrated components like timers, ADC (analog-to-digital converters), and communication interfaces for various applications, making them ideal for embedded systems.