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- Microprocessor - Discussion
Advantages and Disadvantages of Microprocessors
Microprocessors have become the integral part of almost every electronic and computing device. Microprocessors are being used in a variety of applications, ranging from performing basic calculations to controlling processes and automating tasks.
The widespread adoption of microprocessors is because of their numerous advantages. However, microprocessors also have certain disadvantages or limitations. In this chapter, we will discuss the major advantages and limitations of microprocessors in detail.
Advantages of Microprocessors
Microprocessors offer several benefits, ranging from higher operational speed to versatility. Some of the key advantages of microprocessors are explained in detail below −
High Processing or Computational Speed
Microprocessors have an extremely high processing or computational speed. Hence, they can execute a very large number of instructions and process huge amounts of data in a short span of time. With the advancement in technology, the processing speed of microprocessors is being increasing continuously.
Intelligence in Systems
Microprocessors have capabilities of data-driven decision-making. Hence, they also implement intelligence in systems, so the systems can make informed decisions, handle complex processes, and dynamically respond to inputs. By introducing intelligence to systems, microprocessors improve the functionality and operational efficiency of systems.
Automation of Industrial Processes and Office Administration
Microprocessors are critical components used for automation of repetitive tasks in industries and offices. By automating processes like robotic arms control, database management, process monitoring, etc., microprocessors reduce needs for human intervention and improve the accuracy, operational efficiency, and productivity.
Compact Size
Microprocessors are manufactured using advanced integration and fabrication technologies. Hence, they integrate multiple components and hence functionalities into a single chip. This reduces the needs for additional components in the system, and hence results in smaller size of both microprocessor and the system. Also, the lesser number of components and compact size reduce the production cost.
General-Purpose Functionality
Most microprocessors are design to provide general-purpose functionality, hence they can perform a variety of tasks. This general-purpose nature and versatility make them suitable for a wide range of applications, from basic computation to industrial control and automation.
Low Power Consumption
Microprocessors are designed to consume minimal power and have higher energy efficiency. This advantage of microprocessors plays an important role when they are used in battery-powered devices like smartphones or laptops.
Portability
Microprocessors are portable devices because of their compact size and low-power consumption. Because of portable nature, microprocessors are widely employed in mobile computing and telecommunication.
High Reliability
Microprocessors are solid-state devices and do not have moving parts, hence they are highly reliable and ensure durability of the devices in which they are used.
Disadvantages of Microprocessors
Despite several advantages, microprocessors also have certain disadvantages or limitations, some of the common are described below −
Fixed Word Size
Microprocessors have a fixed word size. Hence, they can process a certain amount of data in a single operation. This limitation of microprocessors affects their overall performance, especially in applications that require processing of large volumes of data.
Incapable to Process Analog Signals Directly
Microprocessors are digital devices, hence they can work with digital signals only. They are not able to directly process analog signals, and require them to be first converted into digital signals. The analog-to-digital conversion increases the processing time and system’s cost. It also affects the quality of signals by introducing quantization errors.
Limited Physical Address Space
The architecture of a microprocessor determines its addressing capability. For example, a 16-bit microprocessor can access a maximum of 256 (162) memory locations only.
Overheating Issues
Microprocessors sometimes get overheated during heavy operations. Hence, an effective cooling mechanism such as cooling fans or heat sinks is essentially required for their reliable operation.
Dependence on Machine Language
Microprocessors can understand only machine or binary language. Hence, the high-level programs and software are required to be first complied into binary codes before their execution. Also, machine language is not human-friendly, and thus it is difficult to program and debug.
High Initial Cost
Microprocessors are generally expensive due to their complex design, manufacturing, and fabrication processes.
Time-Taking Design Process
Designing the layout and architecture of a microprocessor requires a significant time. Additionally, fabricating, programming, and testing a microprocessor add more time in the design process.
Lack of Native Floating-Point Support
Most microprocessors do not have built-in support for performing floating-point operations. For this purpose, they depend on software-based emulation, which results in a degraded performance.
Limited Interaction with External Devices
Microprocessors are generally designed in such a way that they do not have capabilities to directly interact with external devices, instead they require additional interfacing components.
Absence of Internal Peripherals
Microprocessors do not have internal peripherals like memory unit and I/O devices. Thus, they require to connect all these components externally and increase the cost and complexity of the entire system.
Conclusion
In this chapter, we highlighted all the major benefits and limitations of microprocessors in detail. Microprocessors have numerous advantages such as compact size, portability, high speed, etc. However, they also have certain disadvantages like absence of internal peripherals, limited word size, dependence on machine language, and many others, as discussed above.