Microprocessor is a programmable logic device designed with registers, flip flops and timing elements.

1. 1.Introduction to
microprocessors

2. Digital Computer
• Multipurpose programmable machine that reads
binary information from its memory accepts
binary data as its input and processes data
according to instructions and provides results as
output
Input
Memory
CPU
Output

3. Microcomputer
• The CPU is replaced by the microprocessor
Reg.
Array
Control
Input Output
ROM R/WM
Microprocessor Memory
System Bus
ALU
Reg.
Array
Control Unit

4. Microprocessor
• Microprocessor is a programmable logic
device designed with registers, flip flops and
timing elements.
• General-purpose microprocessor
CPU for Computers
Example：Intel’s x86, Motorola’s 680x0
CPU
(Micro-processor)
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5. Microcontroller
• A smaller computer
• On-chip RAM, ROM, I/O ports...
• Example：Motorola’s 6811, Intel’s 8051,
Zilog’s Z8 and PIC 16X
RAM ROM
I/O
Port
Timer
Serial
COM
Port
CPU
A single chip
Microcontroller
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6. Microprocessor
 CPU is stand-alone, RAM,
ROM, I/O, timer are separate
 designer can decide on the
amount of ROM, RAM and
I/O ports.
 expensive
 versatility
 general-purpose
Microcontroller
• CPU, RAM, ROM, I/O and
timer are all on a single chip
• fix amount of on-chip ROM,
RAM, I/O ports
• Highly bit addressable
• for applications in which cost,
power and space are critical
• single-purpose
Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller
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