12/11/23, 9:03 PM Difference Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller

Difference Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller

Differences Computers Hardware

Both microprocessors and microcontrollers are types electronic devices that come in
the form of integrated circuits (ICs) and are used in different modern electronic equipment
such as computers, laptops, washing machines, air conditioners, and many other
automated electronic gadgets. The primary function of both microprocessors and
microcontrollers is to automate the processes.

Read this article to find out more about microprocessors and microcontrollers and how
they are different from each other.

What is a Microprocessor?
As its name implies, it is a processing device that converts data into information based on
some sets of instructions. It is a very compact electronic chip due to which it is referred to
as the microprocessor.

In other words, a processing device implemented on a single chip is called a

microprocessor. A microprocessor is the most crucial component of a computer or any
other computing device. Because, it is entirely responsible for processing data based on
instructions to produce information.

In microcomputers, the microprocessor is used as the CPU (Central Processing Unit). A

typical microprocessor consists of two major parts namely ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
and CU (Control Unit). Intel 8085 or 8086 processing chips are the examples of
microprocessors.

Modern microprocessors consist of a small memory unit (cache memory) in addition to the
ALU and CU. Now−a−days, microprocessors are being widely used in several applications
such as desktop publishing, power plant control, multimeters, medical instruments, etc.

What is a Microcontroller?
A microcontroller is an electronic system which consists of a processing element, a small
memory (RAM, ROM, EPROM), I/O ports, etc. on a single chip. Therefore, a
microcontroller is a tiny resemblance of a microcomputer. It is a quite small and low−cost
electronic device which is used in several electronic appliances as the main functioning
device.

In electronic systems such washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.,

microcontrollers are used to automate the operation of the device based on user’s

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instructions. Hence, a microcontroller is the backbone of all embedded systems like

microwave oven, washing machine, smart refrigerators, etc.

Microprocessors find their application in light sensing and controlling devices, temperature
sensing and controlling devices, fire detection and other safety devices, smart measuring
instruments, etc.

Difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller

The following table highlights all the important differences between microprocessors and
microcontrollers −

Parameter Microprocessor Microcontroller

Microprocessors can be Microcontrollers can be

Definition understood as the heart of a understood as the heart of an
computer system. embedded system.

A microprocessor is a A microcontroller is a
processor where the controlling device wherein the
What is it? memory and I/O component memory and I/O output
are connected externally. component are present
internally.

The circuit is complex due to Microcontrollers are present on

Circuit
external connection. chip memory. The circuit is
complexity
less complex.

Memory and The memory and I/O The memory and I/O
I/O components are to be components are available.
components connected externally.

Compact Microprocessors can’t be Microcontrollers can be used

system used in compact system. with a compact system.
compatibility

Microprocessors are not Microcontrollers are efficient.

Efficiency
efficient.

Zero status Microprocessors have a zero Microcontroller doesn’t have a

flag status flag. zero status flag.

Number of Microprocessors have less Microcontrollers have more

registers number of registers. number of registers.

Microprocessors are Microcontrollers are generally

Applications generally used in personal used in washing machines,
computers. and air conditioners.

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Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is clear that a microprocessor is an electronic component
that acts as a processing device in various computing systems such as computers, laptops,
smartphones, etc. On the other hand, a microcontroller is a small microcomputer acts as a
controlling device in different embedded systems such as washing machines, microwave
ovens, etc.

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