Microprocessors: Key Concepts

• Data type is a particular kind of data item.
• It is defined by its possible values, the programming language used, and the operations that can be performed on it.
• Register refers to storage areas inside the microprocessor.
• System software is computer software designed to operate the computer hardware, providing and maintaining a platform for running application software.
• Pull-up resistor ensures the input pin reads a high state when the button is not pressed.
• Setup() is a function in Arduino used to set pin modes or initialize libraries.
• Address bus is a memory location where firmware required for processing and analysis is written and stored in a microcontroller.
• Control unit obtains instructions from memory, interprets them, and directs the computer's operation.
• Local variable is a variable recognized only within a certain function.
• Clock speed determines how many instructions per second the processor can execute.
• Microprocessor-based system contains a microprocessor but does not necessarily involve computing.
• Control structures change state and retain it until the next change.
• Microprocessor is a special device in a standalone system for medium to large-scale computing.
• Instruction register contains the address of the next instruction to be executed in the central processing unit.
• Break is used to terminate a loop regardless of the condition.
• Development board enhances the data acquisition and transmission capability of the entire microcontroller.
• Arduino is an open-source physical computing platform using a microcontroller board and software development environment.
• Pulse Width Modulation is a technique for getting analog results with digital means.
• Loop() is a function that repeats as long as the Arduino has power.
• Peripheral devices encompass any organization or device that includes input, process, and output.
• Sketch editor is the environment where sketches are written and edited.
• Crystal oscillator is a clock with a frequency of 16MHz.
• PinMode sets a pin to either INPUT or OUTPUT.
• Control structures are a series of program instructions that handle data and execute commands, exhibiting control.
• RISC requests a memory or I/O location from devices.
• Application software contains programs designed for individual use on PCs, workstations, or notebooks.
• Conditional OR is used when either condition needs to be satisfied.
• Variable is a place for storing data.
• Development board helps with a particular microcontroller.
• Pipelining is a common group of wires that interconnect components in a computer system.
• RAM is a memory area where data is stored before and after processing.
• DigitalWrite writes HIGH or LOW to a pin.
• Function is a series of programming statements that can be called by name.
• Instruction decoder interprets instructions fetched into the CPU.
• Comment provides information about the sketch.
• Microprocessor is sometimes referred to as the CPU and is the controlling element in a computer system.
• Control bus contains lines that select memory or I/O and initiates read or write operations.
• Microcontroller allows peripherals to connect and communicate with the motherboard and its components.

Acronyms

• PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect.
• BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System.
• EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.
• EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.
• AGP stands for Accelerated Graphics Port.
• CMOS stands for Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor.
• BITS stands for Binary Digits.
• PLC stands for Programmable Logic Controller.
• RAM stands for Random Access Memory.
• NVM stands for Non-Volatile Memory.