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Introduction To MP - MC

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10 views3 pages

Introduction To MP - MC

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gargharsh86765
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Introduction to Microprocessors and Microcontrollers

Microprocessors are regarded as one of the most important devices in our everyday machines
called computers. Microprocessor is an electronic circuit that functions as the central processing
unit (CPU) of a computer, providing computational control.

Basic Computer Structure Possible Computer Operations

A microprocessor is a multipurpose, programmable, clock-driven, register-based electronic device


that reads binary instructions from any storage device called memory, accepts binary data as input
and processes data according to those instructions, and provides results as output. We can draw an
analogy between Microprocessor operations and the functions of a human brain that processes
information according to instructions (understanding) stored in its memory. The brain gets input
from eyes and ears and sends processed information two output devices such as the face, the hands
or feet. However, there is no comparison between the complexity of a human brain and its memory
and the relative simplicity of a microprocessor and its memory.
A basic Programmable machine can be represented with four components: Microprocessor(CPU),
memory, input and output. These four components work together or interact with each other to
perform a given task. The physical components of this Programmable system are called hardware.
A set of instructions written for the processor to perform a task is called a program, and a group
of programs is called software.

Structure of programmable machine

The programming systems (microprocessors applications) can be classified primarily in two categories:

i. Reprogrammable systems
ii. Embedded systems

In Reprogrammable systems, such as microcomputers, the microprocessor is used for computing and
data processing. These systems include general purpose microprocessors capable of handling large data,
mass storage device (such as discs and CD-ROMs), and peripherals such as printer, keyboard, monitor (eg:
a personal computer).

In Embedded systems, the microprocessor is a part of a final product and is not available for
reprogramming to the end user. A photocopy machine is a typical example of an embedded system. The
processes used in these systems are generally categorized as microcontrollers. A microcontroller has a
CPU (a microprocessor) in addition to a fixed amount of RAM, ROM, I/O ports, a timer all on a single chip.
The fixed amount of on-chip RAM, ROM and number of IO ports in microcontrollers makes them ideal for
many applications in which cost, and space are critical. In many applications, the space it takes, the power
it consumes, and the price per unit are much more critical considerations than the computing power.
Comparison between microprocessor and microcontroller

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