Communication of Microprocessor with Memory and I/O
Devices
A microprocessor communicates with memory and input/output (I/O) devices through a group of lines called
the system bus. The bus carries addresses, data, and control signals between the CPU, memory, and
peripherals.
The communication process mainly involves: Address Bus Data Bus Control Bus
1. Bus Organization and Its Significance
A bus is a set of parallel wires used to transfer information among components of a computer system.
Types of Buses
Bus Function
Address Bus Carries address of memory or I/O device
Data Bus Transfers actual data
Control Bus Transfers control and timing signals
Significance of Bus Organization Enables communication between CPU, memory, and I/O devices
Reduces number of separate connections Increases speed and efficiency Simplifies hardware design Allows
data sharing among devices
2. Communication with Memory
The microprocessor communicates with memory during read and write operations.
A) Memory Read Operation
In this operation, data is transferred from memory to the microprocessor.
Steps: CPU places the address of required data on the address bus. Control unit activates the READ control
signal. The memory location is selected using the address. Memory places data onto the data bus. CPU
reads and stores the data. Flow:
CPU → Address Bus → Memory
Memory → Data Bus → CPU
B) Memory Write Operation
In this operation, data is transferred from CPU to memory.
Steps: CPU places the address on the address bus. CPU places data on the data bus. Control unit activates
the WRITE signal. Memory stores the data at the specified address. Flow:
CPU → Address Bus → Memory
CPU → Data Bus → Memory
3. Communication with I/O Devices
Input and output devices communicate similarly using buses.
Examples: Keyboard Mouse Printer Display The microprocessor uses special instructions or control signals
for I/O operations.
A) Input Operation
Input device sends data to CPU through the data bus. CPU identifies device using address bus. Control
signals manage transfer timing. Example: Keyboard sends typed character to CPU.
B) Output Operation
CPU sends data to output device. Address bus selects the device. Data bus carries information. Control bus
sends output control signals. Example: CPU sends data to printer/display.
4. Role of Control Bus
Signal Function
READ Read data
WRITE Write data
RESET Reset processor
INTERRUPT Request CPU attention
CLOCK Synchronization
These signals coordinate all operations in the system.
Conclusion
The microprocessor communicates with memory and I/O devices using the system bus composed of
address, data, and control buses. Bus organization plays an important role in efficient data transfer, device
coordination, and overall computer performance.