09/01/2023
What is a Microprocessor?
and how does it differ from a Microcontroller?
Starting the description of microcontrollers it is important to mention the differences between microcontrollers and microprocessors.
A microprocessor is a central processing unit (CPU) consisting of:
• The arithmetic unit (ALU).
• The command decoder.
• The registrars.
• The timing and bus control circuits.
A microprocessor is actually a central processing unit (CPU) designed on an integrated circuit (Chip).
A microcontroller is a microprocessor with all the necessary support circuits in addition. Any basic circuits are as follows:
• The input/output units, for interfacing the system with the outside world.
• The program and data memory for storing the program and the results of its actions, (EEPROM, RAM).
• The timers (TIMER), and various other internal units.
So if all these discrete units are placed inside the body of a single integrated then we have created a microcontroller!