What is Microprocessor?
Microprocessor Definition: What do you have knowledge about micro processor? May be you have but I ensure that you have not detail information about it, if you having then very well. Here we will fully explain about microprocessor.
Microprocessor is a hardware component of computer, and it works as brain of the computer system as well as use in computer because without using microprocessor, Computer like as plastic box. This shape as a small chip that made by silicon and it has to responsible to all functions of central processing unit.
Microprocessor meaning is a control unit of computer because it is able to manage all various Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU) operations. Microprocessor can capable to execute other operations such as computational activities like as addition/subtraction, internal processing, device terminals communication, and I/O management.
Block Diagram of Microprocessor
Users can send input to microprocessor with the help of different types of input devices of computer such as mouse, keyboard, touchpad, and touch screen etc.
Microprocessor manipulates all calculation such as adding/subtracting with using ALU, control Unit, and Register Array. After executing the instructions store it into memory area, and finally send those output for displaying on the output devices such as computer monitor.
Evolution of Microprocessor with Its History
History of Microprocessor – Here, we spread the light on brief history of microprocessor.
Also Read: What is RAM in Computer? Types, Uses, Functions, & Examples!
First microprocessor developed by INTEL in 1971, and its name was Intel 4004. Intel 4004 is based on 4 bit processor; due to this it was not more popular. Intel 4004 was able to perform only addition/subtraction operation on 4 bit at once.
This Intel announced new Intel’s 8080 in 1974 for personal computer. It is based on 8 bit processor.
In 1976, Intel was designed 8085 processor but it was not new invention because 8085 microprocessor was updated version of 8080 microprocessor. In 8085 microprocessor, are attached two Enable/Disable Instructions, 3 interrupt pins and serial I/O pins.
Intel announced again new 8086 microprocessor, in 1976. 8086 microprocessor is better to 8085 because it is based on 16 bit.
Given to all microprocessor were not supportable for Floating point instructions. Floating point means to decimal number such as (456.23).
Later, Intel was designed other new 8087 microprocessor that was first math co-processor, and this processor was embedded into IBM PC.
Due to more effort of microprocessor’s companies, other new processor are come in market such as 8088,80286,80386,80486,Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium IV and now Core 2Duo,Dual Core and Quad core processors.
Evolution of Microprocessor
Here, we will discuss about short note on evolution of microprocessor, and further Microprocessor evolution has five generation, and every generation are described below.
First Generation: First generation of microprocessor introduced by Intel from 1971 – 1972.Those types of microprocessors are capable only to processed in serially of all instructions. They have been done their process cycle in three steps like as fetched, decoded and then executed. When microprocessor completed cycle then to update the instruction pointer, and these operations perform consecutive for every instructions.
Examples are:
- INTEL 4004 Rockwell
- PPS-4 INTEL 8008
Second Generation: Second generation microprocessor designed in 1973-1978 with 8 bit processor. In those microprocessors, used various transistors on the integrated circuit. There are three steps for processing the instructions like as overlapped fetch, decode and execute. Due to this, second generation microprocessor is five time increase to first generation in different area like as in instruction, speed, execution and higher chip densities.
Also Read: Computer Input Devices and its Types, Examples, Functions, & Uses
Examples are:
- MC68000 Motorola microprocessor
- Intel 8080
- INTEL 8085
- Motorola 6800 and 6801
Third Generation: Third generation microprocessor was developed in 1978 along with 16 bit processor. This processor is more useful for minicomputer. Third generation microprocessor uses the HMOS technology and implement RISC-based architectures.
Examples are:
- MC68020
- Intel’s 8086
- Zilog Z8000
Four Generation: Four generation microprocessor was introduced from 1981 to 1995 with 32 bit processor. This microprocessor designs with million transistors, and also based on HMOS technology. Those types of microprocessor are able to process couples of instruction in per clock cycle.
Examples are:
- Motorola’s 88100
- Intel’s 80960CA
- INTEL 80386
- Mororola 68020
Fifth Generation: Fifth generation microprocessor came from 1995 along with 64 bit processor. This microprocessor has 10 million transistors. Due to this PCs are a low-margin, high-volume-business dominated by a single microprocessor.
Examples are:
- PENTIUM
- Celeron
- Dual, quad and octa core processors
Types of Microprocessor with Examples
There are numerous different types of microprocessor those are using in the computer and their examples as well.
- RISC
- CISC
- Superscalar Microprocessor
- ASIC
- DSP
- SIMD
- Symbolic Processors
- Bit-Slice Processors
- Transputers
- Graphic Processors
RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)
RISC means to “Reduced Instruction Set Computer”. Main objective of designing RISC is to decrease execution time that is simplified by the computer’s instructions. RISC has to use just one clock cycle for producing the result on uniform execution time. RISC needs more couples of RAM memory to save all instructions, due to this reason decrease the efficiency for all codes which used in the lines form.
Examples are:
- DEC’s Alpha 21064, 21164 and 21264 processors
- SUN’s SPARC and ULTRA SPARC;
- PowerPC processors 601, 604, and more
- MIPS: TS (R10000) RISC Processor
- PA-RISC: HP 7100LC
CISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)
CISC stands for “Complex Instruction Set Microprocessors”. This has to contain the complex instructions set, and due to that reason CISC take couple to time for executing all instructions, hence its speed more slow to RISC. Main goal of CISC is developed for various activities such as download, upload, and swap data between the memory card and other devices which connected with computer.
Also Read: Computer Output Devices and its Types, Examples, Functions, & Uses!
Examples are:
- IBM 370/168
- VAX 11/780
- Intel 386, 486, 80486
- Pentium Pro, Pentium, Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium 4;
- Motorola’s 68000, 68020, 68030, 68040
Superscalar Microprocessors
Superscalar Microprocessor is able to execute huge tasks at a one time without delay because it has to contain the multiple pipelines structure. Mainly, this microprocessor designed for the ALU or other types of multipliers as well.
Examples are:
- Pentium, Pentium Pro
- Pentium II, Pentium III
ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)
Stands for “Application Specific Integrated Circuit”. ASIC microprocessor didn’t design for generic purpose because its motive of developing is to specific points such as automotive emissions control or personal digital assistants computer.
(DSP) Digital Signal Multiprocessors
DSP is also known as “Digital Signal Multiprocessors”. This processor helps to encode/decode the streaming videos as well as transform the digital signals to analog signals & analog signals to digital signals. DSP has superb power to calculate the mathematically instructions.
Examples Are:
- Texas instruments’ TMS 320C25,
- Motorola 56000,
- National LM 32900,
- Fujitsu MBB 8764
Applications Areas:
- RADAR
- Home Theaters
- SONAR
- Audio gears
- TV set top boxes
- Mobile phones
SIMD Processors
SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) is also known as “Array processor”. Prime objective of introducing the SIMD processor is to implement all computations into vector form. In SIMD, uses various processing elements in parallel form instead of serially. In that architecture, every processor elements have to use couples of ALUs, and every ALU contains their local memory for storing computational data.
Symbolic Processors
Symbolic processor is also known as “LISP processors or PROLOG processors“. This symbolic processors introduced for using in different fields such as expert system, machine intelligence, artificial intelligence, and pattern-recognition. In Symbolic processor, not need the floating point operations.
Bit-Slice Processors
Bit-Slice processor is also known as building block because all microprocessors are designed for specific word length along with building blocks. Building block has to contain the 4-bit ALUs, micro programs sequencers, and carry look-ahead generators.
Examples are –
- AMD-2900, 2909, 2910, 29300 series,
- Texas instrument’s SN-74AS88XX series
Transputers
Transputer microprocessor developed in 1980 as a special type processor for managing to all component processor, and it includes various internal components such as FPU, Chip RAM and serial links, communication links etc. Communications links helped to make connection between all transputers.
Examples are:
- INMOS T414
- INMOS T800
Graphic Processors
Intel has been introduced graphic chip and assigned to name 740-3D. With using those processors, users can use high definition games and movies.
Examples are:
- Intel 82786
- Intel i860
- Intel i750
Application of Microprocessor
Here, we will discuss about various applications of microprocessor where different uses of microprocessor. Such as
General Purpose
Use as Single board Micro Computers
Microprocessors are also using in the “Single board Micro Computers”, and in which has to use low configuration with software and hardware. It includes for designing small types of computers, and it useful for providing the training to students as well.
Also Read: Block Diagram of Computer with its Components and Functions
Embedded in PC
In PC, it has two types of microprocessor such as 8 bit microprocessor or 16 bit microprocessor. 8 bit microprocessor is more suitable for playing games and using short term programs, and 16 bit microprocessor is helpful for word processing, payroll, business accounts.
Include in Super Minis and CAD
In Super Minis and CAD, has to use of 32 bit microprocessor because its performance is superb compare to mainframe and mini-computers.
Specific Purpose
Instrumentation
Microprocessor has a intelligent devices with accepting programmability. It uses in various medical instruments as a controller such as to determine blood pressure and temperature.
Controller
Microprocessors use in various appliances such as microwave oven, washing machine, coffee makers, radio clocks, toasters, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, ovens, stoves, clothes washers, stereo systems. In industry, it uses for measure various metric such as speed, temperature, moisture and pressure, and suitable transduction.
Other home equipment’s such as bread machines, dishwashers, home lighting systems and some refrigerators.
Communication Sector
In the telecom sector, microprocessor is using in the digital telephone system, telephone exchange and modem as well. Microprocessor play vital role in the railway reservation system and airlines reservation system at international level. Other areas such as Satellite communication systems, mobile phones, televisions and LAN / MAN network with computer network as well.
Use As an Office Automation and Publication
Microprocessor has low cost and user friendly, due to those reasons it uses in various parts in office such as word processing, spreadsheet operations, storage and retrieval of huge information. In publication, microprocessor has to use in various areas like as automatic photo copies, LASER printers for getting better quality as well as good speed.
Uses for Consumers
Today, microprocessor uses as consumer for different areas such as making toys, amusement devices, and embedded in house held devices with more entertainment and full pack stunning features as well.
Other application segments are:
- Calculator machine
- Accounting computation system
- Games devices
- Traffic light controlling system
- Complicated Industrial Controller terminals
- Helping to create multiuser and multi function environment
- Military areas
- Broadcasting system
- Data acquisition systems
Microprocessor Function & Working
In this section, we solve your doubt that how does a microprocessor work? as well as explain numerous microprocessor functions.
- It controls of all components of machine and broadcast the timing signals.
- Microprocessor retrieves all instructions from main memory such as RAM and ROM.
- These fetched data are decoded, and decide which operation is to be performed as per condition.
- All instructions are proceed for executing, and apply the arithmetically and logically operations according to situation.
- It stores the executed programs.
- Make the communication between all I/O devices, and transfer entire data.
- If, it need extra execution of instructions then CPU help to supervision for all I/O devices.
- In the end, finally outputs after execution of instructions send to memory or I/O Module.
Advantages of Microprocessor
There are various features and benefits of microprocessor. Describe below
Also Read: Magnetic Storage Devices and its Examples, Types, Pros, & Cons
- Microprocessor helps to perform all complex arithmetically and logically instructions.
- Microprocessor has more power to execute 3-4 billion instructions in one second, and it measure in Hertz.
- Microprocessor is able to transfer huge data one memory location to other location.
- Microprocessor can be performed floating point number in few milliseconds.
- Microprocessor is generic product, means it can be used in various electronic processing devices with pre-programmed for performing to specific task.
- Microprocessor helps to provide accessibility for controlling of couple of equipment’s with in time sharing.
- Microprocessor is able to multiprocessing and Parallel Processing.
- Easy to modification.
- Low cost.
- Better Reliability and Versatility
- Microprocessor needs to external controllers for performing huge tasks along with extra capability.
- Microprocessor has flexible to program in nature.
- Microprocessor is based on the Low Thermal Design Power (TDP) means to it enables to thinner, lighter, portable notebook devices.
- Microprocessor has to include the “Hyper Threading”.
Disadvantages of Microprocessor
Microprocessor has various limitations (cons) over their advantages as well.
- Microprocessors are getting more heat due to perform task.
- In Microprocessor, small packet of data can be transfer.
- Microprocessor does not contain any internal physical memory such as RAM or ROM.
- It must not contact any external peripheral due to generate more heat.
- Microprocessor is totally base on the machine language.
- Degrade to 3D performance.
