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Difference Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller
Both microprocessors and microcontrollers are types electronic devices that come in the form of integrated circuits (ICs) and are used in different modern electronic equipment such as computers, laptops, washing machines, air conditioners, and many other automated electronic gadgets. The primary function of both microprocessors and microcontrollers is to automate the processes.
Read this article to find out more about microprocessors and microcontrollers and how they are different from each other.
What is a Microprocessor?
As its name implies, it is a processing device that converts data into information based on some sets of instructions. It is a very compact electronic chip due to which it is referred to as the microprocessor.
In other words, a processing device implemented on a single chip is called a microprocessor. A microprocessor is the most crucial component of a computer or any other computing device. Because, it is entirely responsible for processing data based on instructions to produce information.
In microcomputers, the microprocessor is used as the CPU (Central Processing Unit). A typical microprocessor consists of two major parts namely ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU (Control Unit). Intel 8085 or 8086 processing chips are the examples of microprocessors.
Modern microprocessors consist of a small memory unit (cache memory) in addition to the ALU and CU. Now−a−days, microprocessors are being widely used in several applications such as desktop publishing, power plant control, multimeters, medical instruments, etc.
What is a Microcontroller?
A microcontroller is an electronic system which consists of a processing element, a small memory (RAM, ROM, EPROM), I/O ports, etc. on a single chip. Therefore, a microcontroller is a tiny resemblance of a microcomputer. It is a quite small and low−cost electronic device which is used in several electronic appliances as the main functioning device.
In electronic systems such washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc., microcontrollers are used to automate the operation of the device based on user’s instructions. Hence, a microcontroller is the backbone of all embedded systems like microwave oven, washing machine, smart refrigerators, etc.
Microprocessors find their application in light sensing and controlling devices, temperature sensing and controlling devices, fire detection and other safety devices, smart measuring instruments, etc.
Difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller
The following table highlights all the important differences between microprocessors and microcontrollers −
| Parameter | Microprocessor | Microcontroller |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Microprocessors can be understood as the heart of a computer system. | Microcontrollers can be understood as the heart of an embedded system. |
| What is it? | A microprocessor is a processor where the memory and I/O component are connected externally. | A microcontroller is a controlling device wherein the memory and I/O output component are present internally. |
| Circuit complexity | The circuit is complex due to external connection. | Microcontrollers are present on chip memory. The circuit is less complex. |
| Memory and I/O components | The memory and I/O components are to be connected externally. | The memory and I/O components are available. |
| Compact system compatibility | Microprocessors can’t be used in compact system. | Microcontrollers can be used with a compact system. |
| Efficiency | Microprocessors are not efficient. | Microcontrollers are efficient. |
| Zero status flag | Microprocessors have a zero status flag. | Microcontroller doesn’t have a zero status flag. |
| Number of registers | Microprocessors have less number of registers. | Microcontrollers have more number of registers. |
| Applications | Microprocessors are generally used in personal computers. | Microcontrollers are generally used in washing machines, and air conditioners. |
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is clear that a microprocessor is an electronic component that acts as a processing device in various computing systems such as computers, laptops, smartphones, etc. On the other hand, a microcontroller is a small microcomputer acts as a controlling device in different embedded systems such as washing machines, microwave ovens, etc.
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