Difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller 2022

Microprocessor and microcontroller are used in a wide range of applications in the electronic and electrical fields and can be said to be ubiquitous. Although they look very similar, the functions and applications are very different. To facilitate a better understanding of the difference between microprocessor and microcontroller, this article will be a brief explanation.

Part1. What is a Microprocessor

A microprocessor is an electronic computer component made from a single semiconductor IC (integrated circuit) or microchip with microtransistors and some other circuit components. The abbreviation for microprocessor is μP or uP. CPUs (central processing units) are the best-known microprocessors, but many other components in computers contain them, such as GPUs (graphics processing units) on video cards.

In the personal computer race, the names CPU and microprocessor are used interchangeably. Microprocessors are found in all PCs and most workstations. Microprocessors control the logic of almost all digital machines, from radio clocks to the fuel injection structures of automobiles. Microprocessors are multifunctional integrations in a single IC package.

There are five main types of microprocessors, tiny units that provide the "brain" of a computer. Inside a typical silicon microprocessor, there are many tiny transistors and extremely small components. All of these components are used to help the computer work as intended.

Types of Microprocessors

There are five main types of microprocessors, which are listed below.

Complex Instruction Set Microprocessors: It is also known as CISM. CISM classifies microprocessors in which each order can be executed along with several other low-level functions. These functions are designed to perform operations such as uploading data to a memory card, calling or downloading data from a memory card, or performing complex mathematical calculations in a single order.

Reduced Instruction Set Microprocessor: It is also known as RISC, which is designed to speed up computer microprocessors. These chips are built under the guidance of allowing the microprocessor to perform a smaller number of operations in each command, which will allow it to complete more commands faster.

Superscalar processor: This type of processor copies the hardware on the microprocessor so that it can execute a large number of instructions simultaneously. These replicated resources can be submitted arithmetic logic units or multipliers. A superscalar consists of several operation units. A superscalar microprocessor executes multiple commands in a single clock cycle by simultaneously transferring a large number of instructions to the redundant operating units in the processor.

Application-specific integrated circuit: Also known as an ASIC microprocessor, used for extremely precise applications, which may include automotive emissions control or personal digital assistant computers.ASICs are sometimes manufactured to specification, but can also be manufactured by using off-the-shelf gear.

Digital Signal Multiprocessor (DSP): DSPs are unique microprocessors used to decode and encode video, or to convert digital or video to analog and vice versa. These operations require a microprocessor that is particularly adept at performing mathematical calculations. DSP chips are commonly used in sonar, cell phones, radar, home theater audio equipment, and cable set-top boxes.

Part 2. What is Microcontroller

A microcontroller is a computer-on-a-chip optimized for managing electronic products, and it is particularly well suited for precise tasks such as controlling specific systems. Sometimes using the abbreviations uC, µC or MCU, a microcontroller is fundamentally a specialized microprocessor.

In addition, a microcontroller is part of a system, essentially a complete circuit board, where a distinguishing feature is the built-in interrupt system. As a control-oriented device, the microcontroller often has to respond to external stimuli (interrupts) in real time and must be able to perform a fast context switch, suspending one process to execute another in response to an "event".

Common microcontrollers are 8051, Intel's 80196, Microchip's PIC series. Usually integrated in toys, cars, appliances and office machines, microcontrollers are a number of microprocessor system components fused on a single microchip, mainly including

• Memory (ROM and RAM)
• CPU core (microprocessor)
• Some parallel digital I/O

Microcontrollers integrate many useful functions into a single IC, these functions include:

• The ability to execute a cumulative set of commands to perform user-described jobs
• The ability to proficiently read and write data from and to memory using peripheral memory chips.

Further Reading:  how to select a microcontroller

Types of microcontrollers

Microcontrollers are classified by internal bus width, built-in microcontroller, order set, memory structure design, IC chip, VLSI core or Verilog file and family of cells. For similar units, there may be a range of versions from different sources. Here, I have briefly compiled several types of microcontrollers used in different applications.

8-bit microcontrollers: When the internal bus in the MCU is an 8-bit bus, the ALU performs logical and arithmetic operations on a byte in a sequential manner. Learn the latest views on 8-bit mcu market development in 2022 >>

16-bit microcontroller: A 16-bit microcontroller consists of a 16-bit bus, and the ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations on 16-bit operands. It provides higher precision and performance compared to 8-bit MCUs.

32-bit microcontrollers: When the internal bus used for data transfer functions in the MCU is a 32-bit bus, the ALU performs logical and arithmetic functions on 32-bit operands in a sequential manner. They provide better accuracy and performance compared to 16-bit MCUs.

Embedded Microcontroller: When a fixed or embedded system includes an MCU with each hardware and software part in a separate unit, the MCU is called an embedded microcontroller. Very few or no additional peripheral units or systems are used for processing during the control or use of peripheral devices. For example, telephone receiver circuits use built-in or embedded microcontrollers.

External memory microcontroller: When an MCU is added to a built-in or embedded system, each hardware and software part of that MCU does not exist as a separate component, and the MCU is also called a peripheral or external memory microcontroller by playing an interface that allows all or part of the memory components to interface with the external interface circuitry also known as glue circuitry. For example, the 8031 includes a program memory that interfaces with its external, while the 8051 has both internal and peripheral program memory.

Part 3. Differences Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller 

1. Different Definitions

Microcontrollers are embedded flash chips based on processor cores and are ideal processors for home automation, consumer, smart metering and industrial applications.

Microprocessor is a central processor composed of a piece or a few pieces of large-scale integrated circuits.

2. Different Characteristics

Microcontrollers are characterized by high performance, low power consumption and ease of use.

Microprocessors are characterized by small size, light weight and easy modularity.

3. The Application Areas are Different

Microcontrollers are mainly used in instruments for embedded applications, such as intelligent measurement, human-machine interface devices, automotive and industrial control systems, large home appliances, consumer products and medical devices.

Microprocessors are mainly used in home appliances such as VCRs, intelligent washing machines, cell phones, or automotive engine control, as well as CNC machine tools, missile precision guidance, etc.

4. Energy Consumption

One of the key advantages associated with microcontrollers is their low power consumption. Computer processors that perform specialized tasks require lower speed and therefore lower power consumption than processors with powerful computing power. Power consumption plays an important role in the design of the implementation: microprocessors may consume large amounts of power and often require support from an external power supply, while processors that consume only limited power can be powered for long periods of time using only batteries. For tasks requiring low computing power, it may be more cost-effective to use a microcontroller than a microprocessor that consumes more power for the same output.

5. Speed

In terms of overall clock speed, there is a significant difference between new microprocessor chips on the market and high-end microcontrollers. This is related to the fact that microcontrollers are used to handle specific tasks or applications, while microprocessors are used for more complex, intense and unpredictable computing tasks.

One of the key design advantages associated with microcontrollers is that they can be optimized to run code for specific tasks. This means that only the right amount of speed and power needs to be used to get the job done. However, many microprocessors have clock speeds of up to 4 GHz, while microcontrollers can run at much lower speeds of 200 MHz or less.

Also, despite the slower clock speeds, the close proximity of on-chip components can help microcontrollers perform functions quickly. Because microprocessors rely on communication with external peripherals, they can sometimes operate more slowly.

6. Cost

In general, microcontrollers tend to cost less than microprocessors. Microprocessors are often built for use with more expensive devices that will take advantage of external peripherals to improve performance. They are also significantly more complex, as they are designed to perform a variety of computing tasks, while microcontrollers typically perform specialized functions. This is another reason why microprocessors require powerful external storage sources to support more complex computing tasks.

With microcontrollers, microcontroller development engineers can write and compile code for a specific application and then upload it into a microcontroller that internally contains all the necessary computational functions and components needed to execute the code. Because of their narrow range of individual applications, microcontrollers typically require less memory, less computing power and lower overall complexity than microprocessors, and therefore cost less.

Microprocessors differ from microcontrollers in that microcontrollers integrate microprocessor features (ALU, CPU, registers) as well as other additional features such as ROM, RAM, counters, input/output ports, etc. Here the microcontroller control implements the functions of the device by using a fixed program stored in ROM, which does not change with duration.

From another point of view, the main difference between microprocessor and microcontroller in terms of architecture is their application area. A normal microprocessor such as a Pentium series or Intel Core series processor or a similar processor serves as a programmable unit for general-purpose functions in a computer. In other applications, it must manage the many different tasks and programs specified for it.

In contrast, the PIC family or the 8051 family or any other microcontroller has been used in miniature embedded systems, such as traffic signal control systems or some kind of robotic systems. Moreover, these gadgets manage similar tasks or similar programs throughout their processes.

Another difference is that microcontrollers usually have to handle transient tasks, whereas, in contrast, microprocessors in computer systems may not handle transient tasks all the time.