Page 1 of 3
Home Whiteboard Online Compilers Practice Articles Jobs Tools Corporate Training
Chapters Categories
SQL HTML CSS Javascript Python Java C C++ PHP Scala C# Tailwind CSS [Link] MySQL MongoD
Microprocessor - Overview
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.
Microprocessor consists of an ALU, 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.
Block Diagram of a Basic Microcomputer
How does a Microprocessor Work?
The microprocessor follows a sequence: Fetch, Decode, and then Execute.
Initially, the instructions are stored in the memory in a sequential order. The microprocessor fetches those instructions from the
memory, then decodes it and executes those instructions till STOP instruction is reached. Later, it sends the result in binary to the
output port. Between these processes, the register stores the temporarily data and ALU performs the computing functions.
List of Terms Used in a Microprocessor
Here is a list of some of the frequently used terms in a microprocessor −
Instruction Set − It is the set of instructions that the microprocessor can understand.
Bandwidth − It is the number of bits processed in a single instruction.
Clock Speed − It determines the number of operations per second the processor can perform. It is expressed in megahertz
(MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).It is also known as Clock Rate.
Word Length − It depends upon the width of internal data bus, registers, ALU, etc. An 8-bit microprocessor can process 8-bit
data at a time. The word length ranges from 4 bits to 64 bits depending upon the type of the microcomputer.
Data Types − The microprocessor has multiple data type formats like binary, BCD, ASCII, signed and unsigned numbers.
Features of a Microprocessor
Here is a list of some of the most prominent features of any microprocessor −
Cost-effective − The microprocessor chips are available at low prices and results its low cost.
Size − The microprocessor is of small size chip, hence is portable.
Low Power Consumption − Microprocessors are manufactured by using metaloxide semiconductor technology, which has low
power consumption.
[Link] 1/3
Page 2 of 3
Versatility − The microprocessors are versatile as we can use the same chip in a number of applications by configuring the
software program.
Reliability − The failure rate of an IC in microprocessors is very low, hence it is reliable.
TOP TUTORIALS
Python Tutorial
Java Tutorial
C++ Tutorial
C Programming Tutorial
C# Tutorial
PHP Tutorial
R Tutorial
HTML Tutorial
CSS Tutorial
JavaScript Tutorial
SQL Tutorial
TRENDING TECHNOLOGIES
Cloud Computing Tutorial
Amazon Web Services Tutorial
Microsoft Azure Tutorial
Git Tutorial
Ethical Hacking Tutorial
Docker Tutorial
Kubernetes Tutorial
DSA Tutorial
Spring Boot Tutorial
SDLC Tutorial
Unix Tutorial
CERTIFICATIONS
Business Analytics Certification
Java & Spring Boot Advanced Certification
Data Science Advanced Certification
Cloud Computing And DevOps
Advanced Certification In Business Analytics
Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning
DevOps Certification
Game Development Certification
Front-End Developer Certification
AWS Certification Training
Python Programming Certification
COMPILERS & EDITORS
Online Java Compiler
Online Python Compiler
Online Go Compiler
Online C Compiler
Online C++ Compiler
Online C# Compiler
Online PHP Compiler
[Link] 2/3
Page 3 of 3
Online MATLAB Compiler
Online Bash Terminal
Online SQL Compiler
Online Html Editor
ABOUT US | OUR TEAM | CAREERS | JOBS | CONTACT US | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY POLICY | REFUND POLICY |
COOKIES POLICY | FAQ'S
Tutorials Point is a leading Ed Tech company striving to provide the best learning material on technical and non-technical subjects.
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.
[Link] 3/3