Differences Between A Microprocessor and Microcontroller

 

Microprocessor and microcontroller designed to perform complex operations with digital data. The main difference lies in the fact that the microprocessor is typically used within a larger computer system, a microcontroller is used only as a small stand-alone computer system.

What is a microprocessor?

The microprocessor is commonly known as the "brain" of the computer. It consists of a large number of transistors that act as switches. Using several combinations of these transistors, the microprocessor performs organizational tasks and mathematical operations on data. The microprocessor is packaged in a single integrated circuit, and this requires a large number of external components for functions such as memory, timing circuits, and input / output devices.

What is a microcontroller?

The micro controller includes a similar processor in accordance with the microprocessor. However, IC-microcontroller also includes memory, timing circuits, power control circuits, and input / output connections. Thanks to the autonomous nature of the microcontroller requires only a few external components are fully functional. Compared with microprocessors microcontrollers are smaller and have fewer pins connectors. In one of our articles we have explained much more about the need for a microcontroller, we will see it too.

Differences parameters between the microprocessor and a microcontroller.

Now he has developed an understanding of how these two different conditions of each are. However, it is strange that even the people who work in the field of electronics, grasp with these words time. Then, so that he could be familiar with the differences between the microprocessor and microcontroller, here is a comparison of some important parameters.

Representation:

Despite the number of external components, the microprocessor is capable of high speeds, and can handle or process, a large amount of data at a time. Microprocessors operate in the Gigahertz range. This means 1 billion cycles per second. This translates into millions of complex operations of data every second. Some dimensions of data, the majority of current microprocessors are 32-bit interval of 128 bits. Because of these results, the factors that microprocessors are mainly used in computers.

Sleep microcontrollers making them ideal for small electronic devices such as coffee machines and electronic toys. Generally, microcontrollers are pre-programmed by turning on or built into electronic devices. Comparatively, most microcontrollers operate at megahertz range. That means one million cycles per second. For most of the microcontroller data size fall within a range of 8 bits to 32 bits.

Size

The microprocessor is often much larger microcontroller. The microprocessor typically has a width, length and height of approximately 30x30x3 mm. And microcontroller typically has dimensions of approximately 7x7x3 mm.

Scheme

The microprocessor includes only digital logic circuit. The microcontroller contains digital circuitry and analog circuitry.

Speed

Microprocessors operate at a speed (clock frequency) is much higher than the microcontroller. A typical microprocessor has a clock cycle of 1 GHz, but typical microcontroller has a clock frequency of only 20 MHz.

Price

Microprocessors are much more expensive than microcontrollers. The average price of a microprocessor is about $ 70. However, a microcontroller is much smaller and has an average price of approximately $ 1.20.

apps

A microprocessor is used for the design of computers, such as laptops and desktops. But microcontrollers are more often used in the design of devices, automotive electronics and industrial control equipment to control.