Description
The term microprocessor and microcontroller have always been confused with each other. Both of them have been designed for real time application. Microprocessor is a computer processor which incorporates the functions of a computer’s central processing unit (CPU) on a single integrated circuit (IC), or at most a few integrated circuits.
They share many common features and at the same time they have significant differences. Both the IC’s i.e., the microprocessor and microcontroller cannot be distinguished by looking at them. They are available in different version starting from 6 pin to as high as 80 to 100 pins or even higher depending on the features (Augarten, 2013). The microprocessor as shown in figure 1 is a multipurpose, clock driven, register based, programmable electronic device which accepts digital or binary data as input, processes it according to instructions stored in its memory, and provides results as output. Microprocessors contain both combinational logic and sequential digital logic. Microprocessors operate on numbers and symbols represented in the binary numeral system (Augarten, 2013).
figure 1: microprocessor
Their differences, application, advantages and disadvantages are discussed as below:
Application of microprocessors:
Thousands of items that were traditionally not computer-related include microprocessors. These include large and small household appliances, cars (and their accessory equipment units), car keys, tools and test instruments, toys, light switches/dimmers and electrical circuit breakers, smoke alarms, battery packs, and hi-fi audio/visual components (from DVD players to phonograph turntables). Such products as cellular telephones, DVD video system and HDTV broadcast systems fundamentally require consumer devices with powerful, low-cost, microprocessors. Increasingly stringent pollution control standards effectively require automobile manufacturers to use microprocessor engine management systems, to allow optimal control of emissions over widely varying operating conditions of an automobile. Non-programmable controls would require complex, bulky, or costly implementation to achieve the results possible with a microprocessor (Heath, 2014).
Microprocessor control of a system can provide control strategies that would be impractical to implement using electromechanical controls or purpose-built electronic controls. For example, an engine control system in an automobile can adjust ignition timing based on engine speed, load on the engine, ambient temperature, and any observed tendency for knocking—allowing an automobile to operate on a range of fuel grades.
Microprocessors enjoy immense popularity among electronics hobbyists and experimenters. The advantages of using microprocessors are they: (i). are easy to find, (ii) remain relatively inexpensive, and (iii) have excellent documentation.
Disadvantages are:
- Performance: Most of the micro computers are equipped with a low power processors. As a result, their performance is typically lesser than both super computer and a mainframe computer.
- Security: A Microprocessors which is connected to the internet is vulnerable to numerous security threats. It does not offer strong protection. Any hacker or a intruder can easily gain access to your device and steal information stored in microprocessor.
- Storage Capacity: Microprocessors on default comes with low storage capacity. So it users are in need to expand their storage, they can do it either by customizing their PC or purchasing an external storage.
MICROCONTROLLER
This is referred as a small computer (SoC) on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. Program memory in the form of Ferroelectric RAM, NOR flash or OTP ROM is also often included on chip, as well as a typically small amount of RAM. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general purpose applications consisting of various discrete chips (Bill, 2013).
Fig 2: Microcontroller
Application: Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toys and other embedded systems. By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes (Bill, 2013).
In recent years, microcontrollers have found their way into common items such as ovens, refrigerators, toasters, and lawn watering systems (Bill, 2013). The most sophisticated microcontrollers perform critical functions in aircraft, spacecraft, ocean-going vessels, life-support systems, and robots of all kinds. Medical technology offers especially promising future roles. For example, a microcontroller might regulate the operation of an artificial heart, artificial kidney, or other artificial body organ (Bill, 2013).
Advantages of microcontrollers
- Small size: Microcontrollers are small and compact, which makes them well-suited for use in small electronic devices and systems.
- Low power consumption: Microcontrollers are designed to be energy-efficient, which can extend the battery life of electronic devices and systems.
Disadvantages
- It has a complex structure. [ii] Microcontroller cannot interface a better power device directly. [iii]. Number of executions is limited. [iv]. As every microcontrollers does not have analog I/O so there are issues. [v]. Microcontrollers are composed of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and can be damaged by a static charge. [vi]. Limited processing power: Microcontrollers are generally less powerful than other types of computer chips, which can limit their ability to handle more complex tasks. [vii]. Limited connectivity: Microcontrollers may not have the ability to connect to external networks or devices, which can limit their functionality. [viii]. Limited software support: Microcontrollers may have limited software support compared to other types of computer chips, which can make programming and development more challenging.
