How is PWM generated and what are its applications?

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) varies the duty cycle of a square wave while keeping frequency constant. Generation methods: Timer compare (counter compared to threshold, output toggles), Dedicated PWM peripheral, or Software bit-banging (less precise). Applications: Motor speed control (average voltage controls speed), LED dimming (perception-based brightness), Power supplies (SMPS), Servo control (position encoded in pulse width), and DAC approximation (filtered PWM creates analog voltage). Key parameters: frequency (avoid audible range for motors), resolution (bits of duty cycle control), and dead-time for half-bridge drives.