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What’s A Micro-processor??!

posted Jul 31, 2017, 6:18 AM by Rohit Bhaskar   [ updated Jul 10, 2018, 11:22 AM by Chirag Trasikar ]

Hi guys!!

Today’s post will be on microprocessors. As reference to the last post, you should probably just stream through that before you read this one, as there will be quite a few connecting links between them.
Damn! I have to stop my habit of just rambling about before every post :p.

Now….the definition and explanations you might get while browsing the net might be like…
The microprocessor contains all, or most of, the central processing unit (CPU) functions and is the “engine” that goes into motion when you turn your computer on.Or, ‘The microprocessor is a multi-purpose, programmable device that accepts digital data as input, processes it according to instructions stored in its memory, and provides results as output. It is an example of sequential digital logic, as it has internal memory’.

Computing

A microprocessor is designed to perform arithmetic and logic operations that make use of small number-holding areas called registers. Typical microprocessor operations include adding, subtracting, comparing two numbers, and fetching numbers from one area to another. These operations are the result of a set of instructions that are part of the microprocessor design.

shutterstock_166751039

The previous para summarises microprocessors quite well, but at the same time can be a bit overwhelming for those without a bit of technical background.

Three basic characteristics that differentiate microprocessors:

  • Instruction set: The set of instructions that the microprocessor can execute.
  • bandwidth : The number of bits processed in a single instruction.
  • Clock speed : Given in megahertz (MHz), the clock speed determines how many instructions per second the processor can execute.

As I mentioned in the previous post…I will tell you in short, the differences between a microprocessor and a micro-controller. The following image should be able  to explain it in short….

difference

That’s all guys!! Hope that this post was helpful to most!!

The following link can help you get started

https://www.futureelectronics.com/en/Microprocessors/microprocessors.aspx

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