Introduction To The Microprocessor and Microcomputer
Introduction To The Microprocessor and Microcomputer
Definition of Microprocessor
2 branches of applications:
1. Personal Computer These microprocessor-based computers were intended
to be versatile tools that could load and run various programs such as word
processor, spreadsheets, database and games. They could also be easily
custom-programmed by the user to do whatever the programmer imagined.
(Example : Intel 4004, and the likes)
2. Microcomputer ( or Microcontroller unit) A microprocessor-based computer
as a control unit embedded in a marketable product.. These microcomputer is
made up of the same elements as the personal computer, but it is
programmed once by the manufacturer. Then it spends its life performing its
intended tasks, such as waiting for buttons to be pressed and turning ON &
OFF devices such as lights, motors, beepers, etc.( Example: Intel 8051 family)
Intel 8051
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Digital computer is a combination of digital device and circuits that can perform a
programmed sequence of operations with a minimum of human intervention.
- Is simply a high-speed machine that can manipulate data, solve
problems, , and make decisions, all under the control of the program.
Program sequence of operations
- Is a set of coded instructions that is stored in the computers internal
memory along with all of the data that the program requires.
Computer programmer provides a program of instructions and data that specifies
every detail of what to do, what to do it and when to do it.
SECRET AGENT 89
- A far-fetched analogy that contains many concepts involved in computer
operation.
Mission: Secret agent 89 is trying to find out the number of the airport landing strip
where a known terrorist will be landing.
Background : His contact tells him that the information is located in a series of post
office boxes. To ensure that no one else gets the information, it is spread through 10
different boxes. His contact gives him 10 keys along with the following instructions:
1. The information in each box is written in code.
2. Open box 1 first and execute the instruction located there.
3. Continue through the rest of the boxes in sequence unless instructed to do
otherwise.
4. One of the boxes contains information that will misdirect anyone but Agent
89.
The output unit consists of the devices used to transfer data and information from
the computer to the outside world. The output devices are directed by the control
unit (arrow 12) and can receive data from memory (arrow 9) or the ALU (arrow 5);
the data are then put into appropriate form for external use. Example of common
output devices are LED readouts, indicator lights, printers, disk or tape units, video
monitors, and DAC(digital-to-analog converter).
Control Unit
It directs the operation of all of the other units by providing timing and control
signals. This unit contains logic and timing circuits that generate the proper signals
necessary to execute each instruction in a program.
The control unit fetches an instruction from memory by sending an address (arrow7)
and a read command (arrow 6) to the memory unit. The instruction word stored at
thememory location is then transferred to the control unit (arrow 11).
Computer Interfacing transmitting digital information between a computer and its
peripherals in a compatible and synchronized way.
Peripherals the devices that make up the input and output units because they are
external to the rest of the computer.
Central Processing Unit
Pronounced as separate letters, CPU is the abbreviation for central processing unit.
Sometimes referred to simply as the central processor, but more commonly
called processor, the CPU is the brains of the computer where most calculations
take place. In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of
a computer system.
On large machines, the CPU requires one or more printed circuit boards. On
personal computers and small workstations, the CPU is housed in a single
chip called a microprocessor. Since the 1970's the microprocessor class of CPUs has
almost completely overtaken all other CPU implementations.
The CPU itself is an internal component of the computer. Modern CPUs are small
and square and contain multiple metallic connectors or pins on the underside. The
CPU is inserted directly into a CPU socket, pin side down, on the motherboard.