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What is Microprocessor?
A Microprocessor is a silicon chip that contain a CPU. The Microprocessor also often called the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the central component is performed directly or indirectly by the processor. It is one of the most important components of the PC. The terms microprocessor and CPU are often used interchangeably.
Microprocessors are the central and most important part of all personal computers and most workstations. Microprocessors also control the logic of almost all digital devices from clock radios to fuel- injection systems for automobiles.
Microprocessor is the controlling unit or CPU of a micro-computer, fabricated on a very small chip capable of performing ALU operations and communicating with the external word connected to it.
It forma a micro-computer when combined with memory and Input/Output devices. In simple words,it is a digital chip, which is able to receive information in digital form, process this information according to the programmed stored in memory by the user and large quantities.
A processor executes program instructions software to allow our computer to perform useful functions for us. How effectively and efficiently it does this, is a function of its architecture. The processor's architecture the processes data, which is one of the most important factors in determining overall performance. The processor's external interfaces describe the way it communicates information with the memory, chipset and other devices in the PC.
Characteristics of Microprocessor
The important Characteristics of Microprocessor are as follows:-
1. Performance :- The Processor is probably the most important single determinant of system performance in the PC. while other components also play a key role in determining performance, the processor's capabilities dictate the maximum performance of a system. The other devices only allow the processor to reach its full potential.
2. Cost :- One of the most important Characteristics of microcomputer is its low cost. It is a well establised fact that with the advancement of technologies, the cost does not increase proportionately with the complexity. Rather,the cost per function goes on decreasing with the increasing complexity of the chip. Becausenof the widespread use of microprocessors, the volumne of production is very high. the is why, microprocessor chips are available at fairly low prices.
3. Size :- The another important features of a microprocessor is its small size. As a result of imporvement in fabrication technology, VLSI, electronic circuitry has become so dense that a minute silicon chip can contain hundred and thousands of transistors constituting the microprocessor. Its size does not exceed a few inches on any side, even in the packaged form.
4. Power Consumption:- The another important characteristics is its low power consumption microprocessors are normally manufactured by Mental-Oxide semiconductor technology, which has the feature of low power consumption. The word micro can be attributed to its low cost, small size and low power consumption. Its processing capability is quite high.
5. Versatility :- The versatility of a microprocessor results from its stored program moe of operation. Keeping the same basic hardware, a microprocessor-based system can be configured for a number of application simplify altering the software program. the also makes it very flexible. After a system has been produced it is often necessary to change it either to remove problems or to in corporate new capabilities, A hard wired system, will require complete redesigning witch is both time consuming and costly. In the case of a microprocessor-based system. however, the programmable feature can be advantageously used in most of the situation to incorporate necessary changes with a minimum no modification in hardware.
6. Reliability and Stability :- An important property of VLSI devices (with microprocessors in it) is the extreme reliability. It has been established that the failure rate of an IC is fairly uniform at the package level, regardless of its complexity. The quality of the processor is one factor that determines how reliably the system will run. While most processors are very dependable and this also depends to some extent on the age of the processor and how much energy it consumes.