3.2.7+Microprocessor

=**__Microprocessor__**=


 * A microprocessor is similar to a CPU, but has significantly less primary memory.
 * Numerous devices we use daily have one or more microprocessors inside of them. Examples include: TVs, cars, beamers, watches, phones, ovens, CD players, etc.
 * Ex. in a washing machine a microprocessor might be used to control the temperature, water level, spin speed and washing time
 * Inputs: control buttons on machine; temperature, water level and rotational speed sensor
 * Outputs: electronic signals to other internal hardware components (ex. water pump), LCD screens, sounds, LEDs
 * A microprocessor has a single program stored in non-volatile memory, but also has some volatile registers to store data at runtime.[[image:Atmel_atmega32_mikrokontrolleri.jpg width="267" height="206" align="right" caption="An example of a commonly used microprocessor (ATmega32 in this case)"]]
 * This differentiates microprocessors from CPUs, since CPUs don't have a single program stored in non-volatile memory.
 * Microprocessors are like CPUs but cannot change their programs.
 * When the first microprocessor was introduced, it had about 6,000 transistors. Today, a microprocessor can have several Billion transistors.

You can differentiate microprocessors in:
 * **Instruction set:** The set of instructions that the microprocessor can execute
 * **Bandwidth:** The number of bits processed in a single instruction
 * **Clock speed:** the clock speed determines how many instructions per second the processor can execute (usually measured in MHz)

There are two types of microprocessors:
 * **RISC**'s (**R**educed **I**nstruction **S**et **C**omputer)
 * Processes things faster than a CISC
 * Smaller instruction set than a CISC
 * **CISC**'s (**C**omplex **I**nstruction **S**et **C**omputer)
 * Processes things slower than a RISC
 * Larger instruction set than a RISC

A microprocessor incorporates most or all of the functions of a CPU on a single chip. Microprocessors use the ALU to do arithmetic calculations.

Edited by Jocbe Last updated: 7. October 2010


 * Käyttäjä:Mcfish. "File:Atmel Atmega32 Mikrokontrolleri.jpg." Wikimedia Commons. 5 Dec. 2005. Web. 30 Sept. 2010. .
 * Jones, Richard. Computer Science Java Enabled. Victoria: IBID Press, 2004.
 * Swtpc6800. "File:Motorola MC6800 Microprocessor.jpg." Wikimedia Commons. 30 Apr. 2010. Web. 07 Oct. 2010. .