Difference Between Microprocessor and

Microcontroller
Choosing the appropriate device as the foundation for your new design can
be overwhelming. The need to make the right balance of price, performance,
and power consumption has many implications.
However, if a microcontroller (MCU) or microprocessor (MPU) becomes the
basis of a platform approach, the decision can have long-lasting
consequences. The difference between microprocessors and microcontrollers
becomes a critical debate at this point.

Table of Contents
 Difference Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller
o Microprocessor VS Microcontroller: Primary Differences
o Microcontroller Vs Microprocessor: Application Perspective
o Difference Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller:
Connectivity Standpoint
o Difference Between Microcontroller and Microprocessor:
Power Consumption
 Three key differences between Microcontrollers and Microprocessors
o Selecting One?
 People Also Ask!
o Q: What is Microcontroller?

o Q: What is Microprocessor?
o Q: Which is better, Microprocessor or a Microcontroller?
o Q: Is Raspberry Pi a Microcontroller or Microprocessor?
o Q: Is Arduino a Microcontroller or Microprocessor?
o Does Microcontroller contains Microprocessor?
o Q: What are the Different Applications for Microprocessors
and Microcontrollers?
The table below explains the microprocessor and microcontroller difference.
Difference Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller
Microcontroller Microprocessor

 The microcontroller is the heart of an  The microprocessor is the heart of a

embedded system. Computer system.

 The microcontroller has an external  It is just a processor. Memory and I/O

processor along with internal memory components have to be connected
and i/O components externally

 Since memory and I/O have to be

 Since memory and I/0 are present
connected externally, the circuit
internally, the circuit is small.
becomes large.
 Can be used in compact systems and  Cannot be used in compact systems
hence it is an efficient technique and hence inefficient

 The cost of the entire system is low  Cost of the entire system increases

 Since external components are low,  Due to external components, the entire
total power consumption is less and power consumption is high. Hence it
can be used with devices running on is not suitable to use with devices
stored power like batteries. running on stored power like batteries.

 Most microcontrollers have power-

saving modes like idle mode and
 Most microprocessors do not have
power-saving mode. This helps to
power-saving features.
reduce power consumption even
further.

 Since memory and I/O components

 Since components are internal, most
are all external, each instruction will
of the operations are internal
need an external operation, hence it is
instruction, hence speed is fast.
relatively slower.

 Microprocessors have less number of

 Microcontrollers have more registers,
registers, hence more operations are
hence the programs are easier to write.
memory based

 Microprocessors are based on the von

 Microcontrollers are based on Harvard
Neumann model/architecture where
architecture where program memory
programs and data are stored in the
and Data memory are separate
same memory module

 Used mainly in washing machines,

 Mainly used in personal computers
MP3 players
 Microcontroller Internal
Parts
Microprocessor VS Microcontroller: Primary Differences
Typically an MCU uses on-chip embedded Flash memory in which to store and execute its program. Storing the
program this way means the MCU has a shorter start-up period and executes code quickly. The only practical limitation
to using embedded memory is that the total available memory space is finite.

Most Flash MCU devices available on the market have a maximum of 2 Mbytes of Program memory. This may prove to
be a limiting factor, depending on the application.

MPUs do not have memory constraints in the same way. They use external memory to provide program and data
storage. The program is typically stored in non-volatile memory, such as NAND or serial Flash.

At start-up, this is loaded into an external DRAM and execution commences. This means the MPU will not be up and
running as quickly as an MCU but the amount of DRAM and NVM you can connect to the processor is in the range of
hundreds of Mbytes and even Gbytes for NAND.

Another difference is power. By embedding its own power supply, an MCU needs just one single-voltage power rail. By
comparison, an MPU requires several different voltage rails for the core, DDR, etc. The developer needs to cater to this
with additional power ICs / converters on board.

Microcontroller Vs Microprocessor: Application Perspective

From the application perspective, some aspects of the design specification might drive device selection in particular
ways. For example, is the number of peripheral interface channels required more than can be catered for by an MCU?

Or, does the marketing specification stipulate a user interface capability that will not be possible with an MCU because
it does not contain enough memory on-chip or has the required performance?
When embarking on the first design and know that it is highly likely there will be many product variations. In that case,
it is very possible a platform-based design approach will be preferred.

This would stipulate more “headroom” in terms of processing power and interface capabilities in order to accommodate
future feature upgrades.

Difference Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller: Connectivity Standpoint

From the connectivity standpoint, most MCU and MPU devices are available, with all the common popular peripheral
interfaces. High-speed communication peripherals such as HS USB 2.0, multiple 10/100 Ethernet ports, or Gigabit
Ethernet ports are generally only found on MPU.

They are better capable to handle and process large amounts of data. Whether there are enough suitable channels and
bandwidth to handle the data traffic is a key question.

Depending on the communication protocols used, the impact on code space using third-party stacks should be checked.
Applications demanding high-speed connectivity, especially in combination with using OS-based stacks will require an
MPU-based design.

Another key aspect driving the difference between microprocessor and microcontroller selection is the need for a real-
time/deterministic behavior of the application.

Because of the processor core used in an MCU, as well as the embedded flash and considering the software used that is
either an RTOS or bare metal C, the MCU will definitely take the lead on this aspect and will address perfectly the most
time-critical and deterministic applications.
Difference Between Microcontroller and Microprocessor: Power Consumption
A final point to consider is power consumption. While MPUs have low power modes there are not as many or as low as
the ones you would find on a typical MCU. With the external hardware supporting an MPU as an added factor, putting
an MPU into a low-power mode might also be slightly more complex.

Also, the actual consumption of an MCU is magnitudes lower than an MPU. In low power mode for example, with SRAM
and register retention, you can consider a factor of 10 to 100. This is directly related to the amount of RAM and power
required by an operating system to resume operation instantaneously.

The decisions involved in selecting either an MCU or MPU-based approach are many and involve performance,
capability, and the BOM budget.

Three key differences between Microcontrollers and Microprocessors

1. Integration: Microcontrollers are highly integrated devices that combine a microprocessor core with memory (both
program memory and data memory) and various peripherals, such as input/output ports, timers, analog-to-digital
converters, and communication interfaces, all on a single chip. Microprocessors, on the other hand, are standalone
processing units that lack built-in memory and peripherals. They require external components for memory and
peripheral interfacing.
2. Purpose: Microcontrollers are designed for specific embedded applications, where they serve as the main processing
unit controlling the system’s functions and interacting with the surrounding environment. They are optimized for low-
power operation and real-time tasks. Microprocessors, on the other hand, are more general-purpose processors used
in a wide range of computing applications, including personal computers, servers, mobile devices, and more.
3. Complexity: Microcontrollers are typically simpler and less powerful than microprocessors. They have lower clock
speeds, limited memory capacities, and fewer computational resources. This simplicity makes microcontrollers more
cost-effective and suitable for resource-constrained embedded systems. Microprocessors, on the other hand, are
more complex and powerful, with higher clock speeds, larger memory capacities, and greater computational
capabilities. They are capable of running complex operating systems and handling demanding computational tasks.
It’s worth noting that these differences are not absolute, and there can be variations and overlaps in the capabilities of
different microcontrollers and microprocessors based on their specific architectures and implementations.

Selecting One?
Broadly speaking, MCUs tend to be used in cost-optimized solutions which require tight control of BOM and power
saving. Functionally rich and high-performance applications employ a scale, larger number of MPUs.

Ultra-low power applications such as remote controls, consumer electronics, and smart meters where the design
emphasizes the longevity of battery life and no or little UI interaction find larger use of MCUs.

They are also used where highly deterministic behavior is needed. MPUs are ideal for OS-based industrial and consumer
applications. These might be computed intensively and require multiple high-speed connectivities or a rich UI.

Selecting a vendor offering highly compatible MCU and MPU products where you can easily migrate up and down and
maximize software reuse provides the best return on investment over time.
The History of computer motherboards
One of the most popular microcontrollers is the 8051 microcontroller.
Q: What is Microcontroller?
A microcontroller is a small integrated circuit that combines a microprocessor
core, memory, and peripheral devices such as input/output ports, timers, and
analog-to-digital converters. It is designed to perform specific tasks and control
functions in embedded systems.

Microcontrollers are commonly used in various electronic devices, including

home appliances, automotive systems, industrial machinery, and consumer
electronics. They provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for applications
that require control, monitoring, and interaction with the physical world.

Q: What is Microprocessor?
A microprocessor is a central processing unit (CPU) that is designed to execute
instructions and perform arithmetic and logical operations in a computer
system. It is an integrated circuit that serves as the “brain” of a computer or
other electronic devices.

Microprocessors are responsible for carrying out the instructions of a computer

program by fetching, decoding, and executing them. They are commonly found
in personal computers, laptops, smartphones, and various electronic devices.
Unlike microcontrollers, microprocessors are typically used in systems that
require general-purpose computing capabilities and are not dedicated to specific
control functions

Q: Which is better, Microprocessor or a Microcontroller?

Ultimately, the choice between a microprocessor and a microcontroller depends
on the specific application requirements, including processing power, system
complexity, power consumption, cost, flexibility, and development
considerations. It is essential to carefully evaluate these factors to determine
which option best suits the project’s needs.

Q: Is Raspberry Pi a Microcontroller or Microprocessor?

The Raspberry Pi is a microprocessor-based single-board computer.

Q: Is Arduino a Microcontroller or Microprocessor?

Arduino is a microcontroller-based development board.

Q: Does every Microcontroller have a Microprocessor?

Yes, every microcontroller includes a microprocessor as its core component. The
microprocessor is responsible for executing instructions and performing
calculations within the microcontroller. However, it’s important to note that
while all microcontrollers have a microprocessor, not all microprocessors are
part of a microcontroller. Microprocessors can also be standalone components
used in various applications.

Q: What are the Different Applications for Microprocessors and

Microcontrollers?
Microprocessor use cases:
1. Personal computers
2. Servers
3. Mobile devices
4. Gaming consoles
5. High-performance computing

Microcontroller use cases:

1. Embedded systems
2. Automotive systems
3. Consumer electronics
4. Medical devices
5. Internet of Things (IoT) devices