The evolution of the microprocessor has been one of the greatest
achievements of our civilization. In some cases, the terms 'CPU' and
'microprocessor' are used interchangeably to denote the same device.
Like every genuine engineering marvel, the microprocessor too has
evolved through a series of improvements throughout the 20th century. A
brief history of the device along with its functioning is described
below.
Working of a Processor
- It is the central processing unit, which coordinates all the functions of a computer. It generates timing signals, and sends and receives data to and from every peripheral used inside or outside the computer.
- The commands required to do this are fed into the device in the form of current variations, which are converted into meaningful instructions by the use of a Boolean Logic System.
- It divides its functions in two categories, logical and processing.
- The arithmetic and logical unit and the control unit handle these functions respectively. The information is communicated through a bunch of wires called buses.
- The address bus carries the 'address' of the location with which communication is desired, while the data bus carries the data that is being exchanged.
Architecture of Microprocessor
Microprocessor is a single IC package in
which a number of useful functions are integrated and fabricated on a
single silicon semiconductor chip. Its architecture consists of a
central processing unit, memory modules, a system bus and an input/output unit.
The system bus connects the various
units to facilitate exchange of information. It further consists of
data, address and control buses to perform data exchanging in a proper
manner.
The Central processing unit consists of
one or more arithmetic logic unit (ALU), registers, and control unit.
Based on the registers also the generations of microprocessor can be
classified. A microprocessor consists of general purpose and special
type of registers to execute instructions and to store the address or
data while running the program. The ALU computes all arithmetic as well
as logic operations on data and specifies the size of microprocessor like 16 bit or 32 bit.
The Memory unit holds the program as
well as data and is divided into a processor, primary and secondary
memory. The Input and output unit interfaces the I/O peripheral devices
to microprocessor for accepting and sending information.
Is there any other type of Microprocessor?
ReplyDeleteMs. Karren, There are basically 5 kinds of microprocessors:
Delete1. Complex Instruction Set Microprocessors
2. Reduced Instruction Set Microprocessors
3. Superscalar Processors
4. The Application Specific Integrated Circuit
5. Digital Signal Multiprocessors
Hi Sir! What is the difference of microprocessor to microcontroller?
ReplyDeleteDaisy, Microcontrollers are designed to perform specific tasks. Specific means applications where the relationship of input and output is defined. Depending on the input, some processing needs to be done and output is delivered. Since the applications are very specific, they need small resources like RAM, ROM, I/O ports etc and hence can be embedded on a single chip. This in turn reduces the size and the cost.
ReplyDeleteMicroprocessor find applications where tasks are unspecific like developing software, games, websites, photo editing, creating documents etc. In such cases the relationship between input and output is not defined. They need high amount of resources like RAM, ROM, I/O ports etc.
The clock speed of the Microprocessor is quite high as compared to the microcontroller. Whereas the microcontrollers operate from a few MHz to 30 to 50 MHz, today’s microprocessor operate above 1GHz as they perform complex tasks.
Undoubtedly a microcontroller is far cheaper than a microprocessor
Who invented the Microprocessor?
ReplyDeleteIn November, 1971, a company called Intel publicly introduced the world's first single chip microprocessor, the Intel 4004 (U.S. Patent #3,821,715), invented by Intel engineers Federico Faggin, Ted Hoff, and Stanley Mazor.
DeleteSir on what part can we know the number of bit that a certain microprocessor can process?
ReplyDeleteHi Allyssa,in a microprocessor, the basic data size or bit size can be processed by the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit). The number of bits can be stored in a register of the memory element.
Delete