Microprocessor [Introduction]

Definition of Microprocessor:

A Microprocessor is a multipurpose, programmable, clock driven, register based, semi-conductor device that reads binary instruction from the Memory, accepts binary data as input and process the data as per the instructions and finally display the result as Output.

Learn Microprocessor[Beginner to Advanced]

Figure: Microprocessor

• A Microprocessor is a clock driven semiconductor device consisting of electronic circuits manufactured by using either a LSI (Large Scale Integration) or VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) technique. 

Table Of Content: 

1. Simple Programming Machine
2. Classification of Microprocessor based System
3. Evolution of Microprocessor
4. Microcomputer
5. Applications of Microprocessor

A simple programming machine can be represented with three components. They are:

1. Microprocessor
2. Memory
3. Input / Output system

• These three components work together in harmony or interact with each other to perform a given task. Altogether they form a System.

The Microprocessor Based System is classified into two systems. They are:

1. Re-programmable System: Microprocessor acts as a Central Processing Unit in this System. Eg: Microcomputers.
2. Embedded System: The microprocessor is a major component of this system and is not available for reprogramming to end users. Eg: Traffic light controller.

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Evolution of the Microprocessor:

• In 1969, Intel was involved in designing of semi conductor memory. After the successful design of a programmable calculator, Intel developed a series of Microprocessor. 
• Intel was the first Microprocessor producer. 
• It owns more than 83% Microprocessor and market share. 
• Growth is tremendous.
• The speed of the Microprocessor is increasing rapidly. Microprocessor are also being used in devices like Mobiles, watches, ATM etc. 

Processor	Year	Transistor	Address Bus	Data Bus	Memory
4 bit Microprocessors
4004	1971	2300	10 bit	4 bit	640 bytes
8 bit Microprocessors
8008	1972	3500	14 bit	8 bit	16 KB
8080	1974	6000	16 bit	8 bit	64 KB
8085	1976	6500	16 bit	8 bit	64 KB
16 bit Microprocessors
8086	1978	29000	20 bit	16 bit	1 MB
8088	1979	29000	20 bit	8 bit	1 MB
32 bit Microprocessors
Pentium	1993	3.1 M	32 bit	32 bit	4 GB
Pentium Pro	1995	5.5 M	36 bit	32 bit	64 GB
Pentium II	1997	8.8 M	36 bit	64 bit	64 GB
Pentium III	1999	9.5 M	36 bit	64 bit	64 GB
Pentium IV	2000	42 M	36 bit	64 bit	64 GB
64 bit Microprocessors
Intel Core 2	2006	291 M
Intel Core i7	2008	781 M
Intel Core i5	2009	781 M
Intel Core i3	2010	781 M

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Organization of Microprocessor based system [Microcomputer]

A microcomputer is a small computer in which the Microprocessor functions as the Central Processing Unit(CPU). The main parts of the Microcomputer are CPU, Memory, Input and Output ports. Each of these components are connected with each other via Data Bus, Address Bus, and Control Bus. 

1. Microprocessor:

Microprocessor consists of 3 parts:

a. ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): 

• This is the area where different computing functions are performed on data. 
• ALU performs Arithmetic operations such as Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication. Similarly It performs Logical operations such and Logical OR, Logical AND, Logical Ex-OR etc. 

b. Register:

• Register are also known as Processor Memory to store the data value or operands. For eg: A,B, C, D, E, H, L are 8 bit registers. 
• Registers are primarily used to store data temporarily during the execution of a program and are accessible to the user through the instructions. 

c. Control Unit:

• Control Unit controls all the functions in the Microprocessor.
• It performs two basic function: Sequencing and Execution. The control unit causes the processor to step through a series of micro-operations in the proper sequence which is called sequencing and the micro operations are executed called as Execution.
• It provides the necessary timing and control signals to all the operations in the Microcomputer
• It controls the flow of data between the Microprocessor and Memory and Peripherals. 

2. Memory:

• Memory is a semi conductor device that stores the instructions and data in the Binary form. 
• It is the combination of RAM and ROM. It may also contain magnetic disks, floppy disks, hard disks etc. 

3. BUS:

• Bus acts as the communication path between different components. It is a group of conducting wire to carry signals or data. 
• There are 3 types of BUS. They are:
• Address Bus
• Data Bus
• Control Bus

4. Input and Output ports:

• They are used to communicate with the outer world. This section allows the computer to take input data from the user and display the result through as Output through Output devices. 
• Input Devices: Mouse, Keyboard 
• Output Devices: Monitor, Printer

Difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller

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Applications of Microprocessor:

1. Test Instruments:
• Microprocessor are widely used in test instruments like Generator, Oscillator, Digital voltmeter, X-ray Analyzer, Digital to Analog converter etc. 
• eg: Fluke 6010A.
2. Microcomputers:
• Microprocessors are used as the CPU of the computers.
3. Industries:
• In Industries, Microprocessor is widely used in data monitoring system, smart cameras, automatic weighing machines, assembly machine control etc.
4. Communication:
• The process of exchanging information from one place to another is called Communication. Microprocessor are used in transmitting and receiving devices. 
5. Multimedia System:
• Microprocessor is used in film industry where digital computer are used. Microprocessors are used in digital cameras, displays, projectors etc. 
6. Automobiles:
• Modern cars that need to compete in the international market uses Microprocessor for various extended functionality of the vehicles. Several cars use upto 10 or more Microprocessor for different controls. 
7. Traffic lights:
• Microprocessor is used in the traffic light control system. 
8. Security System:
• Microprocessor is used in various Security systems in Bank, Supermarkets etc.
9. Washing Machines:
• Microprocessor are used in modern washing machines which extends it's functionality digitally. 
10. Robotics:
• Microprocessor is used in the robotics and machine learning field. It helps to control the robotics parts.

Related Posts: 

• 8085 Microprocessor Features, Pin Diagram, Architecture
• 8086 Microprocessor Features, Architecture
• All 8085 Instructions with Operand, Size, Addressing Mode, Machine Cycle, T-States
• Timing Diagram [8085 Microprocessor]