Microprocessor

A microprocessor is a small electronic device that performs the functions of a central

processing unit (CPU) on a single integrated circuit (IC). It is the brain of a computer or other
digital devices, responsible for executing instructions from a computer program by performing
basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output (I/O) operations.

• Performs Calculations: It can do basic math, like addition and subtraction, and make
decisions based on comparisons.

• Follow Instructions: It reads and follows a list of instructions (programs) to do specific tasks,
like opening an app or playing a video.

• Controls Parts: It tells other parts of the device what to do and when to do it,

• Stores Information Temporarily: It has small, super-fast storage areas to keep data handy
while it’s working on it.

• Speed: How fast operation can work

Microprocessor Vs Integrated Circuit
(IC)
Main difference between a microprocessor and an integrated circuit is their purpose and
complexity. A microprocessor is a more complex device designed to perform general-purpose
computing tasks, whereas an IC is a more specific device designed to perform specific functions.

In fact, a CPU is often referred to as a microprocessor. All CPUs

Microprocessor as
are microprocessors, but not all microprocessors are CPUs????
CPU

The difference between

two is their functionality
and purpose within a
computer system. A CPU is
a type of processor tasked
with a variety of roles. A
Traditional block Computer with microprocessor is generally
diagram of microprocessor as tasked with one specific
Computer CPU task and does that one
task exceedingly well.
CPU and
Microprocessor
• CPU Example: Think of the CPU in your laptop. It handles everything from running your
operating system to browsing the internet and playing games.

• Non-CPU Microprocessor Example: Consider a washing machine. It has a microprocessor

that controls the washing cycles, but this microprocessor is not a CPU because it’s not running a
full computer system.

Simple Analogy:
• CPU in a Computer: Like the main chef in a restaurant who oversees everything and makes
complex dishes.

• Microprocessor in Other Devices: Like a kitchen appliance (e.g., a microwave) that does one
specific job (heating food).
Types of
Microprocessors
Some of the common types of microprocessors include:

• General Purpose Microprocessors: These are the most common microprocessors used in
computers and other electronic devices. Examples of general-purpose microprocessors include
the Intel Core series, AMD Ryzen series, and ARM Cortex series.

• Digital Signal Processors (DSPs): These microprocessors are designed for processing digital
signals such as audio and video. They are commonly used in cell phones, digital cameras, and
music players.

• Graphics Processing Units (GPUs): These microprocessors are designed for performing
complex calculations related to graphics and image processing. They are commonly used in
gaming systems, video editing software, and other applications that require high-performance
graphics processing.

• System-on-Chip (SoC) Microprocessors: These microprocessors combine multiple

components, such as a microprocessor, memory, and input/output interfaces, into a single chip.
They are commonly used in mobile devices and other small electronic devices. Examples of SoC
microprocessors include the Qualcomm Snapdragon series and Apple A-series.

• FPGAs are specialized microprocessors that users can program to perform a specific task. They
are commonly used in digital signal processing, image processing, and cryptography
Microprocessor as a Programming
Device
Program Execution: A microprocessor follows a set of instructions written in a
program. These instructions tell the microprocessor what to do, step by step.

Flexible Functionality: Because a microprocessor can be programmed with different

instructions, it can perform a wide variety of tasks.

Example
Smartphone:

Think of your smartphone’s microprocessor. When you tap an app icon, the
microprocessor runs the program for that app, following instructions to open it, display
content, and respond to your touches.

Washing Machine:
In a modern washing machine, a microprocessor might run programs that control the
washing cycles. It follows instructions to fill the machine with water, agitate the clothes,
rinse, and spin.
History of Microprocessors
 Microprocessor
Organization
Internally, the microprocessor is made
up of 3 main units.
• Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)
• Control Unit.
• An array of registers for holding data

Simplified version of Microprocessor with bus architecture

Intel 8085 is an 8 bit microprocessor introduced by Intel.

8085 has 16 bit address bus and 8 bit data bus.
It can access 216 (65536) individual memory locations
(64KB)
Has built in register:
A (accumulator), B,C,D,E,H and L (8 bit)
Special purpose register: 16 bit program counter,
stack pointer, and 8 bit flag register
"80" typically denotes the series, and the "85" is
the specific model number.
Components of a
Microprocessor
 Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU):
• Performs all arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Handles logical operations (AND, OR, NOT, XOR).
 Control Unit (CU):
• Directs the flow of data between the processor and other components.
• Decodes instructions fetched from memory.
• Coordinates the execution of instructions.
 Registers:
• Temporarily store data or intermediate results.

 Bus Interface Unit (BIU):

• Manages communication between the processor and external components.
• Types of buses:
 Data Bus: Transfers data.
 Address Bus: Specifies memory addresses.
 Control Bus: Sends control signals (e.g., Read/Write).

 Clock Generator:
• Synchronizes operations of the microprocessor with a clock signal.
• Defines the speed of operation (measured in MHz or GHz).

 Input/Output (I/O) Interfaces:

• Facilitates communication between the processor and external devices (keyboard, mouse, sensors).
Generalized MPU
 Practice questions

1. How many address lines are needed to access 1 GB of memory?

2. What happens if the data bus is smaller than the word size of the CPU?

3. What is a multiplexed bus?

4. What is the main purpose of a clock in a microcontroller?

A. Provide power to the processor
B. Control input/output operations
C. Synchronize operations and control timing
D. Store program data
5. RESET operation is generally:
A. Hardware-based only
B. Software-based only
C. Can be hardware or software-based
D. Not used in modern microprocessors
6. What happens to the result of an ALU operation?
A. It is lost
B. It is stored in a ROM
C. It is usually stored in the accumulator or a register
D. It is printed to screen
8085 Microprocessor
Architecture
8-bit general purpose µp
Addressing 64 k of memory Has 40 pins
Requires +5 v power supply
Can operate with 3 MHz clock
System Bus – wires connecting memory
& I/O to microprocessor
Address Bus
• Unidirectional
• Identifying peripheral or memory
location
Data Bus
• Bidirectional
• Transferring data
Control Bus
• Synchronization signals
• Timing signals
• Control signal
External initiated operations
• RESET
• Interrupt
• BUS request
MPU, Memory and I/O
How MPU executes??

1. To execute a program, the microprocessor “reads” each instruction from memory,

“interprets” it, then “executes” it.
2. To use the right names for the cycles: – The microprocessor fetches each instruction, –
decodes it, – Then executes it.
3. This sequence is continued until all instructions are performed.
4. To communicate with memory and Input-output, MPU performs four operations
Memory read, Memory write, I/O read, I/O write

How MPU identify Memory or I/O??

MPU identifies with a binary address called address bus

How MPU identify read or write???

Control signal
BUS organization
• Bus organization of the microprocessor is the way in which the microprocessor
communicates with other devices in a computer system.
• Is a communication path between microprocessor and peripherals. A group of wires to carry
bits.
• Ex: 8085 microprocessor has a 16-bit address bus, an 8-bit data bus, and various control
signals to manage data transfer and other operations.
• Address bus –
Unidirectional bus that is used to carry the memory or I/O device address to which the data is
to be transferred.

• Data bus -
Bidirectional bus that is used to transfer data between the microprocessor and other
components such as memory and I/O devices.

• Control bus –
Bidirectional bus that is used to carry control signals between the microprocessor and other
components such as memory and I/O devices.
Example: Memory read

Bus organization