Microprocessors
Description
Microprocessor is a semiconductor chip mainly designed to perform arithmetic, logic and control operations. Microprocessors utilize a set of machine instructions for performing mathematical operations and for moving data from one memory area to another. Microprocessors consist of control units, arithmetic logic units, memory interfaces, interrupts, shift registers, internal cache, and other units. Devices such as input devices, output devices and memory devices are interfaced with the microprocessor to perform particular tasks. Interfaces for microprocessors include peripheral interface (SPI), synchronous data link control (SDLC) and infrared data association (IrDA). Microprocessor chips can be selected based on semiconductor technology, data (number of bits) processing, frequency range, and power of operation, number of input and output lines, and instruction set.
Types
Based on semiconductor technology, microprocessors are classified as:
CMOS (complementary-metal-oxide semiconductor)
TTL (transistor-transistor logic )
ECL (emitter-coupled logic)
Based on data processing, microprocessors are classified as:
4-bit
8-bit
16-bit
32-bit
64-bit
Based on instruction set, microprocessors are classified as:
Advantages
Some of the advantages of microprocessor are:
Microprocessors operate at very high speeds and also reduce hardware complexity
Microprocessors not only work with hardware components, but they also operate with software components
Software coding can be easily updated without any change in hardware
Microprocessors have many built-in features, such as communication ports, I/O pins, timer, counter, etc., which help to reduce the amount of external chips.
Applications
Microprocessors have a wide range of applications in industrial and domestic market. Industrial applications of microprocessors include controlling industrial equipment and digital meters. Domestic applications include cellular telephones, digital cameras, automobiles, microwave ovens, hand-held computers, washing machines, and video recorders. Microprocessors can also be used for many embedded applications.