Microcontroller
VS
Microprocessor
Microcontroller Unit(MCU)
A microcontroller is a self-contained system with peripherals, memory and a processor that can be used as an embedded system. Most programmable microcontrollers that are used today are embedded in other consumer products or machinery including phones, peripherals, automobiles and household appliances for computer systems. Due to that, another name for a microcontroller is "embedded controller." They are designed to perform specific tasks. Specific means application where the relationship of input and output is defined.
In the year 1969, Intel company put the entire CPU inside a single IC. This IC is called Microprocessor.
Microprocessor
A microprocessor incorporates the functions of a CPU on a single integrated circuit or a few integrated circuits. They are designed to perform arithmetic and logic operations that make use of data on the chip. General purpose microprocessors in PCs are used for multimedia display, computation, text editing and communication. Several microprocessors are part of embedded systems.History
The Center of computer is CPU. Initial days, the CPU was built with Vacuum Tubes, Transistors, IC etc.
In the year 1969, Intel company put the entire CPU inside a single IC. This IC is called Microprocessor.
Microcomputer is built using this Microprocessor as CPU, RAM, ROM, I/O etc.
The logic part of microcomputer is put inside an IC and called Microcontroller.
Hi Sir Marvin, If you're going to choose between the two, what do you prefer the most? Thank you in advance.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the project you are going to create. If I'm going to create a small program I will choose MCU and if my program is huge then I prefer to use MPU.
DeleteWhat could microprocessors do that cannot do by microcontrollers? and vice-versa
ReplyDeleteMicroprocessor assimilates the function of a Central Processing Unit(CPU) on to a single Integrated Circuit (IC). It is mainly used in designing general purpose systems from small to large and complex systems like super computers. This is the components of personal computers. The computational capacity of microprocessor is very high. Hence can perform comples tasks.
DeleteWHILE the Microcontroller can be considered as a small computer which has a processor and some other components in order to make it a computer. It is used in automatically controlled devices. Microcontrollers are generally used in embedded systems. Less computational capacity when compared to microprocessors. Usually used for simpler tasks.
Good day Sir. As I observed about the chart of the MicroComputer at the microcontroller their has the Input/Output or also known as the bi-derectional. Will you please explain it further and it's purpose. Also what is the advantage of having it ? Thank you in advance sir.
ReplyDeleteThe Input/output you are talking about is the Pins of the Port 1 and Port 3 of the IC AT89C2051. These pins are Bi-directional meaning it can be used as input and output of your IC.
DeleteThe advantage of having a bi-directional ports is that you can maximize the bits of the 2 ports of the IC for your input and use it also as your output.
Sir Marvin, what is the most unique differences of the two?
ReplyDeleteA microcontroller differs from a microprocessor in many ways.The first and most important difference is its functionality. In order the microprocessor may be used, other components such as memory or components for data transfer must be added to it. Even though
ReplyDeletethe microprocessor is considered to be a powerful computer machine, the weak point is that it is not adjusted to communication to peripheral environment. Simply, in order to communicate with peripheral environment, the microprocessor must use specialized circuits added as external chips. It means in short that microprocessors are the pure heart of the computers. That is how it was when they appeared and the same is now. On the other hand, the microcontroller is designed to be all of that in one. No other specialized external components are needed for its application because all necessary circuits which otherwise belong to peripherals are already built into it. It in any case saves the time and space needed to design a device.