In this article, we will study the Difference Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller in detail. We have also provided a PDF download for the same.
The main differences between microprocessors and microcontrollers are Microprocessor has one or two types of bit handling instruction and Microcontrollers have much time for bit handling system. But both of them has logic gates that is used to control the flow of information.
Microprocessor
A microprocessor is a controlling unit of a micro-computer, fabricated on a small chip capable of performing ALU (Arithmetic Logical Unit) operations and communicating with the other devices connected to it. The microprocessor consists of an ALU, a register array, and a control unit. ALU performs arithmetical and logical operations on the data received from the memory or an input device.
Register array consists of registers identified by letters like B, C, D, E, H, L, and accumulator. The control unit controls the flow of data and instructions within the computer.
Microcontrollers
A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system. Sometimes referred to as an embedded controller or microcontroller unit (MCU), microcontrollers are found in vehicles, robots, office machines, medical devices, mobile radio transceivers, vending machines, and home appliances among other devices.
This is used in multiple industries and applications, including in the home and enterprise, building automation, manufacturing, robotics, automotive, lighting, smart energy, industrial automation, communications, and internet of things (IoT) deployments.
The simplest microcontrollers facilitate the operation of electromechanical systems found in everyday convenience items, such as ovens, refrigerators, toasters, mobile devices, key fobs, video games, televisions, and lawn-watering systems. They are also common in office machines such as photocopiers, scanners, fax machines, and printers, as well as smart meters, ATMs, and security systems.
More sophisticated microcontrollers perform critical functions in aircraft, spacecraft, ocean-going vessels, vehicles, medical and life-support systems, and robots. In medical scenarios, microcontrollers can regulate the operations of an artificial heart, kidney, or another organ. They can also be instrumental in the functioning of prosthetic devices.
Difference Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller
The Difference between microprocessor and microcontrollers are as follows
| Microprocessor | Microcontroller |
| The microprocessor has many operation codes (opcodes) for moving data from external memory to the CPU (Central processing input). | The microcontroller has one or two operation codes for moving data from external memory to the CPU (Central processing input). |
| The microprocessor has one or two types of bit handling instructions. | The microprocessor has many types of bit-handling instructions. |
| This is concerned with the rapid movement of code and data from external addresses to the chip. | This is concerned with the rapid movement of bits within the chip. |
| It must have many additional parts to function as a computer. | This can function as a computer without the addition of external parts. |
| The microprocessor is intended to be general-purpose digital computers. | The microcontrollers are intended to be special-purpose digital computers. |
| It contains a CPU, memory addressing circuit, and interrupt handling circuit. | It has additional features such as on-chip timers, parallel and series input-output, and internal RAM and ROM. |
| It does not have its input memory. | It has its memory. |
| Less multifunctional pins | This has more multifunctional fins. |
| More Hardware | Less hardware |
| Program and Data are stored in Ram memory. | Program and Data are stored in a separate memory. |
FAQ
What Is The Main Difference Between Microprocessor And Microcontrollers?
The program and data are stored in RAM in the microprocessor and In Microcontroller, the program, and data are stored in a separate memory.
Which Is A Better Microprocessor Or a Microcontroller?
There is no specific answer to this. It depends upon the requirements of one.
What Are The Application Of A Microprocessor?
- The microprocessor is used in personal computers (PCs).
- The microprocessor is used in LASER printers for good speed and making automatic photocopies.
What Are The Application Of Microcontrollers?
It is used for automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, appliances, power tools, office machines, toys, and other embedded systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, microprocessors and microcontrollers are two distinct types of computer systems that differ in their architecture, functionality, and applications. Microprocessors are specialized processing units that execute instructions and perform arithmetic and logical operations. On the other hand, microcontrollers are complete computing systems that integrate a microprocessor, memory, input/output peripherals, and other components.
The key differences between microprocessors and microcontrollers include their complexity, power consumption, cost, programming, and versatility. While microprocessors are more flexible and powerful, microcontrollers offer greater control and efficiency for specific applications. Both microprocessors and microcontrollers have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and their selection depends on the specific requirements of the application at hand.
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