Microprocessor vs Microcontroller

Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller

• Microprocessor systems include input, storage, processing, and output devices managed by a CPU
• A desktop PC's main components consist of the motherboard, power supply, and disk drives.
• A microprocessor (CPU) is a compact chip that acts as the "brain" of a computer
• It contains arithmetic logic units (ALUs), registers, and control units.
• A microprocessor connects to memory components like RAM and ROM.
• Microprocessors execute instructions and perform calculations and are found in PCs, smartphones, and embedded systems.
• The first microprocessor, Intel 4004, appeared in 1971
• Current microprocessors contain billions of transistors
• Notable microprocessor manufacturers include Intel (Core, Xeon), AMD (Ryzen, EPYC), and ARM (Cortex).

Microprocessor Architecture

• The general purpose microprocessor is the central unit of a system
• It is responsible for processing data and executing instructions
• Address pins specify the memory location to access
• Data pins transfer data between the microprocessor and memory.

Types of Microprocessors

• CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) microprocessors use a large set of instructions for complex operations
• Examples of CISC include Intel's x86 family and Motorola's 68000 series.
• RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) microprocessors use fewer clock cycles for faster execution
• Examples of RISC include ARM ARM, MIPS, and PowerPC processors.
• DSP (Digital Signal Processor) microprocessors are optimized for processing digital signals like audio and video
• DSPs are used in smartphones and media players.
• GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) microprocessors specialize in graphics rendering and parallel processing
• GPUs are often found in gaming consoles and workstations.
• FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) microprocessors are reconfigurable and widely used in prototyping and testing.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• The CPU is the primary component that performs most processing tasks and is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer
• CPUs contain three main components
• The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic (addition, subtraction, etc.) and logical (AND, OR, NOT) operations
• The Control Unit (CU) coordinates CPU operations by fetching, decoding, and executing instructions.
• Registers are small, high-speed memory units that hold data and instructions currently being processed by the CPU.
• Intel's x86 family (8086, 80286, 80386, 80486, and the Pentium) are general-purpose microprocessors
• These microprocessors do not have RAM, ROM, or I/O ports on the chip.

Microcontrollers

• A microcontroller contains a CPU (microprocessor)
• It contains a fixed amount of RAM, ROM, I/O ports, and a timer on a single chip.
• Microcontrollers integrate a CPU, memory (RAM & ROM), I/O ports, and timers on a single chip
• Microcontrollers are suitable for cost and space critical applications
• Microcontrollers do not have external memory or additional I/O components
• Common uses include TV remote controls, home automation, security, medical devices, automotive systems, and consumer electronics.
• The Arduino platform is an open-source microcontroller platform commonly used for prototyping and DIY projects.
• The PIC (Programmable Interface Controller) is a popular series of microcontrollers developed by Microchip Technology.
• The STM32 is a series of microcontrollers developed by STMicroelectronics.
• Raspberry Pi, although not strictly a microcontroller, is a single-board computer for embedded systems and IoT projects.
• Atmel AVR is a family of microcontrollers developed by Atmel Corporation, now part of Microchip Technology.
• The MSP430 is a low-power microcontroller by Texas Instruments used in battery-powered devices.
• Atmega is a family of microcontrollers developed by Atmel Corporation, now part of Microchip Technology
• Atmega microcontrollers are used in embedded systems applications and are popular within the Arduino platform.
• Atmega microcontrollers utilize digital and analog I/O, timers, communication interfaces, and other peripherals.

Embedded Systems

• Embedded systems are electronic/electro-mechanical systems designed to perform a specific function using a combination of hardware and software.
• An embedded system uses a microprocessor (or microcontroller) to do one task and one task only.
• Printers are an example of an embedded system
• Embedded systems consist of a microcontroller or microprocessor, memory, input/output peripherals tailored to the specific function.
• Examples of embedded system applications include Traffic Management, Industrial Automation, Airplane Traffic Controllers, Location Mapping, Medical Care, Consumer Electronics, and Building Management Systems
• Home appliances, office equipment, telecommunications devices, transportation, traffic control systems, medical devices and industrial controls use embedded systems.

General Purpose vs Application Specific Computers

• PCs can perform many applications such as word processing, print serving, banking, video games, and internet access
• Software for various applications can be loaded and run on PCs.
• PCs' ability to perform various tasks comes from RAM memory and an operating system to load and execute application software.
• General-purpose computers perform a wide range of tasks and can be programmed for various functions.
• General purpose computers contain a CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices, along with software.
• Personal computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones are examples of general purpose computers.