Lec1- Introduction of Microprocessors

1- Introduction of Microprocessors
Microprocessors are regarded as one of the most important devices in our everyday machines called computers. Before we start, we need to understand what exactly microprocessors are and their appropriate implementations. Microprocessor is an electronic circuit that functions as the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer, providing computational control. Microprocessors are also used in other advanced electronic systems, such as computer printers, automobiles, and jet airliners.


Typical microprocessors incorporate arithmetic and logic functional units as well as the associated control logic, instruction processing circuitry, and a portion of the memory hierarchy. Portions of the interface logic for the input/output (I/O) and memory subsystems may also be infused, allowing cheaper overall systems. While many microprocessors and single chip designs, some high-performance designs rely on a few chips to provide multiple functional units and relatively large caches.
When combined with other integrated circuits that provide storage for data and programs, often on a single semiconductor base to form a chip, the microprocessor becomes the heart of a small computer, or microcomputer.
Microprocessors are classified by the semiconductor technology of their design (TTL ( transistor-transistor logic ); CMOS (complementary-metal-oxide semiconductor) ; or ECL ( emitter-coupled logic) ), by the width of the data format (4-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, or 64-bit) they process; and by their instruction set (CISC, complex-instruction-set computer, or RISC, reduced-instruction-set computer). TTL technology is most commonly used, while CMOS is favored for portable computers and other battery-powered devices because of its low power consumption. ECL is used where the need for its greater speed offsets the fact that it consumes the most power. Four-bit devices, while inexpensive, are good only for simple control applications; in general, the wider the data format, the faster and more expensive the device. CISC processors, which have 70 to several hundred instructions, are easier to program than RISC processors, but are slower and more expensive.
A microprocessor can do any information-processing task that can be expressed, precisely, as a plan. It is totally uncommitted as to what its plan will be. It is a truly general-purpose information-processing device. The plan, which it is to execute—which will, in other words, control its operation—is stored electronically. This is the principle of “stored program control”. Without a program the microprocessor can do nothing. With one, it can do anything. Furthermore, microprocessors can only perform information-processing tasks. To take action on the outside world, or to receive signals from it, a connection must be provided between the microprocessor’s representation of information (as digital electronic signals) and the real world representation.