MODULE 1
What's difference between Microcontroller
(µC) and Microprocessor (µP)?
A microcontroller (µC) contains not only a processing unit but a small
amount of memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), a few IO ports for peripherals, a
timer, etc. We can think of a microcontroller as a mini-computer. But a
microprocessor (µP) contains only a processing unit which is quite powerful
in terms of computing. To make use of a microprocessor (µP), one needs
extra hardware chips such as memory (RAM), peripheral boards, system
bus, etc. but nowadays modern SoCs integrate multiple components (CPU,
memory, peripherals) on a single chip, and are considered part of the
microprocessor family due to their central processing capabilities.
In that sense, a microcontroller can be called an SoC (System on
Chip) built typically for embedded system use. One way to look at µC is a
complete 'Chip' that contains other necessary chips to perform a few
specialized tasks which are characteristics of a typical embedded system.
At the same time, µP is a processing unit 'Chip' which is quite powerful and
complex and is typically used for general-purpose computing. Due to
limited processing characteristics, µC is typically cheaper than µP. Besides,
µC is typically quite compact when compared with µP. Examples of µC are
the ARM Cortex-M series, Intel 8051, etc. Examples of µP are the ARM
Cortex-A series, Intel Pentium series, etc.
We can find the use of µC in home appliances such as Washing machines,
Ovens, etc. while we can find the use of µP in desktop computers, laptops,
etc. It's not the question of which one is better. Instead, it's a question of
what's the need for a system. If someone is devising an embedded system
where specific and customized tasks need to be done, picking µC is a
typical choice. On the contrary, picking µP is a typical choice if someone
devises a general-purpose computing device.
What is a Microprocessor?
A Microprocessor is an important part of a computer architecture without
which you will not be able to perform anything on your computer. It is a
programmable device that takes in input performs some arithmetic and
logical operations over it and produces the desired output. In simple words,
a Microprocessor is a digital device on a chip that can fetch instructions
from memory, decode and execute them, and give results.
What is Microcontroller?
A microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit
that is designed to control specific tasks within electronic systems. It
combines the functions of a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and
input/output interfaces, all on a single chip. Microcontrollers are widely
used in embedded systems, such as home appliances, automotive
systems, medical devices, and industrial control systems. They are also
used in consumer electronics products, such as gaming systems, digital
cameras, and audio players.
Difference between Microprocessor and
Microcontroller
Microcontroller Microprocessor
A microcontroller is a specialized The microprocessor is designed to be general-
form of a microprocessor purpose.
It is cost-effective. It is a silicon chip
It is self-sufficient. It is a dependent unit
The microcontroller is used to The Microprocessor is
perform a particular tasks. used to perform a certain task.
Its power consumption is low. Its power consumption is high.
It contains CPU, RAM, ROM,
It requires a combination of timers, controllers
Registers, Timer and input/output
memory chips.
ports.
Its size is smaller. Its size is larger.
It is a chip which is called single It is a general purpose device which is called a
chip computer. CPU.
Microcontroller have no advantage It have advantages of versatility such that
of designing RAM, ROM, I/O port. designer can decide the amount of RAM, ROM,
Microcontroller Microprocessor
I/O port as needed.
Its microprocessors processing
power is lower than Its processing power is higher.
microprocessor.
It uses Harvard Architecture. It uses Von Neumann Architecture.
It's system cost is low. It's system cost is high.
Each instruction needs an internal
Each instruction needs an external operation.
operation.
For Example- Television. For Example- Personal Computers.
Microcontroller (µC) Microprocessor (µP)
Feature
Designed for general-
Designed for specific embedded
Purpose purpose computing
system applications
applications
CPU with minimal on-
Single-chip computer system with on- board memory,
Architecture board memory, peripherals, and I/O peripherals, and I/O
interfaces interfaces
Integration
Highly integrated Less integrated
level
System
Single-chip system CPU + support chips
architecture
Processing
Lower power Higher power
power
Microcontroller (µC) Microprocessor (µP)
Feature
Instruction set Fixed instruction set More flexible
On-board
On-chip memory No on-board memory
memory
Input/Output
More I/O ports Fewer I/O ports
(I/O)
Peripheral
On-board peripherals External peripherals
devices
Cost Lower cost Higher cost
Power
Lower power Higher power
consumption
Applications Embedded systems General-purpose
Integrated development environment Standard development
(IDE) provided by manufacturers, tools and languages such
Development
with specialized programming as C, C++, and assembly
languages and tools
Higher clock speed,
Lower clock speed, typically less than typically greater than 1
Clock speed
100 MHz GHz