Microprocessor: Types, Applications, Examples, Functions, History, & Evolution!

In this article, we are going to explain in detail about What is Microprocessor and its types, examples, functions and applications; as well as involving with history and evolution of microprocessor with ease. This is unique post over the internet. So make sure, at the end of this article; you will definitely fully aware about what is microprocessor without getting any hassle.

What is Microprocessor? ​

Microprocessor Definition – What do you have knowledge about micro processor?  May be you have but I ensure that you have not detail information about it, if you having then very well. Here we will fully explain about microprocessor. Microprocessor is a hardware component of computer, and it works as brain of the computer system as well as use in computer because without using microprocessor, Computer like as plastic box. Microprocessor shape as a small chip that is made by silicon and it has to responsible to all functions of central processing unit.

microprocessor

Microprocessor meaning is a control unit of computer because it is able to manage all various Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU) operations. Microprocessor can capable to execute other operations such as computational activities like as addition/subtraction, internal processing, device terminals communication, and I/O management.

Block Diagram of Microprocessor

microprocessor-block-diagram

Users can send input to microprocessor  with the help of different types of  input  devices of computer such as mouse, keyboard, touchpad, and touch screen etc.

Microprocessor  manipulates all calculation such as adding/subtracting with using ALU, control Unit, and Register Array. After executing the instructions store it into memory area, and finally send those output for displaying on the output devices such as computer monitor

Microprocessor Tutorial Headlines:

In this section, we will show you all headlines about this entire article; you can check them as your choice; below shown all:

  1. What is Microprocessor? ​
  2. Block Diagram of Microprocessor
  3. History of Microprocessor
  4. Evolution of Microprocessor
  5. Types of Microprocessor and its Examples
  6. Application of Microprocessor
  7. Microprocessor Examples
  8. Microprocessor Function & Working
  9. Advantages of Microprocessor
  10. Disadvantages of Microprocessor
  11. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
  • What do you mean by a microprocessor?
  • Why are called microprocessor?
  • Why is microprocessor important?
  • What is evolution of microprocessor?
  • Who invented the first microprocessor and when?
  • What are the five generation of microprocessor?
  • What are the different types of microprocessor architecture?
  • What is microprocessor classification?
  • What are microprocessor chips used for?
  • What is main application of microprocessor in daily real life?
  • Where are microprocessors used at home?
  • Where are microprocessor used in daily life?
  • What are the 5 examples of microprocessor in daily life?
  • What are the functions of microprocessor describe it with diagram?
  • What are the different functional units of a microprocessor?

Let’s Get Started!!

History of Microprocessor

Here, we spread the light on brief history of microprocessor.

First microprocessor was developed by INTEL in 1971, and its name was Intel 4004. Intel 4004 is based on 4 bit processor; due to this it was not more popular. Intel 4004 was able to perform only addition/subtraction operation on 4 bit at once.

Intel was announced new Intel’s 8080 in 1974 for personal computer. It is based on 8 bit processor.

In 1976, Intel was designed 8085 processor but it was not new invention because 8085 microprocessor was updated version of 8080 microprocessor. In 8085 microprocessor, are attached two Enable/Disable Instructions, 3 interrupt pins and serial I/O pins.

In 1976, Intel was announced again new 8086 microprocessor. 8086 microprocessor is better to 8085 because it is based on 16 bit.

Given to all microprocessor were not supportable for Floating point instructions. Floating point means to decimal number such as (456.23).

Later, Intel was designed other new 8087 microprocessor that was first math co-processor, and this processor was embedded into IBM PC.

Due to more effort of microprocessor’s companies, other new processor are come in market such as 8088,80286,80386,80486,Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium IV and now Core 2Duo,Dual Core and Quad core processors.

Evolution of Microprocessor

Here, we will discuss about short note on evolution of microprocessor, and further Microprocessor evolution is divided into five generation, and every generation are described below.

microprocessor-evolution
First Generation

First generation of microprocessor was introduced by Intel from 1971 – 1972.Those types of microprocessors are capable only to processed in serially of all instructions. They have been done their process cycle in three steps like as fetched, decoded and then executed. When microprocessor completed cycle then to be update the instruction pointer, and these operations are performed consecutive for every instructions.

Examples are:

  • INTEL 4004 Rockwell
  • PPS-4 INTEL 8008

Second Generation

Second generation microprocessor was designed in 1973-1978 with 8 bit processor.  In those microprocessors,  used various transistors on the integrated circuit. There are three steps for processing the instructions like as overlapped fetch, decode and execute. Due to this, second generation microprocessor is five time increase to first generation in different area like as in instruction, speed, execution and higher chip densities.

Examples are:

  • MC68000 Motorola microprocessor
  • Intel 8080
  • INTEL 8085
  • Motorola 6800 and 6801

Third Generation

Third generation microprocessor was developed in 1978 along with 16 bit processor. This processor is more useful for minicomputer. Third generation microprocessor is used the HMOS technology and implement RISC-based architectures.

Examples are:

  • MC68020
  • Intel’s 8086
  • Zilog Z8000

Four Generation

Four generation microprocessor was introduced from 1981 to 1995 with 32 bit processor. This microprocessor is designed with million transistors, and also based on HMOS technology. Those types of microprocessor are able to process couples of instruction in per clock cycle.

Examples are:

  • Motorola’s 88100
  • Intel’s 80960CA
  • INTEL 80386
  • Mororola 68020

Fifth Generation

Fifth generation microprocessor had been come from 1995 along with 64 bit processor. In this microprocessor, have been embedded 10 million transistors. Due to this PCs are a low-margin, high-volume-business dominated by a single microprocessor.

Examples are:

  • PENTIUM
  • Celeron
  • Dual, quad and octa core processors

Types of Microprocessor and its Examples

There are numerous different types of microprocessor those are used in the computer and their examples as well.

  • RISC
  • CISC
  • Superscalar Microprocessor
  • ASIC
  • DSP
  • SIMD
  • Symbolic Processors
  • Bit-Slice Processors
  • Transputers
  • Graphic Processors

RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)

RISC means to “Reduced Instruction Set Computer”. Main objective of designing RISC is to decrease execution time that is simplified by the computer’s instructions. RISC has to use just one clock cycle for producing the result on uniform execution time. RISC needs more couples of RAM memory to save all instructions, due to this reason decrease the efficiency for all codes which are used in the lines form.

Examples are:

  • DEC’s Alpha 21064, 21164 and 21264 processors
  • SUN’s SPARC and ULTRA SPARC;
  • PowerPC processors 601, 604, and more
  • MIPS: TS (R10000) RISC Processor
  • PA-RISC: HP 7100LC

CISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)

CISC stands for “Complex Instruction Set Microprocessors”. CISC has to contain the complex instructions set, and due to that reason CISC take couple to time for executing all instructions, hence its speed more slow to RISC. Main goal of CISC is developed for various activities such as download, upload, and swap data between the memory card and other devices which are connected with computer.

Examples are:

  • IBM 370/168
  • VAX 11/780
  • Intel 386, 486, 80486
  • Pentium Pro, Pentium, Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium 4;
  • Motorola’s 68000, 68020, 68030, 68040

Superscalar Microprocessors

Superscalar Microprocessor is able to execute huge tasks at a one time without delay because it has to contain the multiple pipelines structure. Mainly, this microprocessor is designed for the ALU or other types of multipliers as well.

Examples are:

  • Pentium, Pentium Pro
  • Pentium II, Pentium III

ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)

Stands  for  “Application Specific Integrated Circuit”.  ASIC microprocessor is not designed for generic purpose because its motive of developing is to specific points such as automotive emissions control or personal digital assistants computer.

(DSP) Digital Signal Multiprocessors

DSP is also known as “Digital Signal Multiprocessors”. DSP processor helps to encode/decode the streaming videos as well as transform the digital signals to analog signals & analog signals to digital signals.DSP has superb power to calculate the mathematically instructions.

Examples are:

  • Texas instruments’ TMS 320C25,
  • Motorola 56000,
  • National LM 32900,
  • Fujitsu MBB 8764

Applications areas:

  • RADAR
  • Home Theaters
  • SONAR
  • Audio gears
  • TV set top boxes
  • Mobile phones

SIMD Processors

SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) is also known as “Array processor”. Prime objective of introducing the SIMD processor is to implement all computations into vector form. In SIMD, uses various processing elements in parallel form instead of serially. In that architecture, every processor elements have to use couples of ALUs, and every ALU contains their local memory for storing computational data.

Symbolic Processors

Symbolic processor is also known as “LISP processors or PROLOG processors“. Symbolic processors are introduced for using in different fields such as expert system, machine intelligence, artificial intelligence, and pattern-recognition. In Symbolic processor, not need the floating point operations.

Bit-Slice Processors

Bit-Slice processor is also known as building block because all microprocessors are designed for specific word length along with building blocks. Building block has to contain the 4-bit ALUs, micro programs sequencers, and carry look-ahead generators.

Examples are:

  • AMD-2900, 2909, 2910, 29300 series,
  • Texas instrument’s SN-74AS88XX series

Transputers

Transputer microprocessor was developed in 1980 as a special type processor for managing to all component processor, and it includes various internal components such as FPU, Chip RAM and serial links, communication links etc. Communications links was helped to make connection between all transputers.

Examples are:

  • INMOS T414
  • INMOS T800

Graphic Processors

Intel has been introduced graphic chip and assigned to name 740-3D. With using those processors, users can use high definition games and movies.

Examples are:

  • Intel 82786
  • Intel i860
  • Intel i750

Application of Microprocessor

Here, we will discuss about various applications of microprocessor where different uses of microprocessor.  Such as

General Purpose

Use as Single board Micro Computers:

Microprocessors are used in the “Single board Micro Computers”, and in which has to use low configuration with software and hardware. It includes for designing small types of computers, and it useful for providing the training to students as well.

Embedded in PC:

In PC, it has been used two types of microprocessor such as 8 bit microprocessor or 16 bit microprocessor. 8 bit microprocessor is more suitable for playing games and using short term programs, and 16 bit microprocessor is helpful for word processing, payroll,  business accounts.

Include in Super Minis and CAD:

In Super Minis and CAD, has to use of 32 bit microprocessor because its performance is superb compare to mainframe and mini-computers.

Specific Purpose

Instrumentation:

Microprocessor has a intelligent devices with accepting programmability. It uses in various medical instruments as a controller such as to determine blood pressure and temperature.

Controller:

Microprocessors are included in various appliances which are used in home such as microwave oven, washing machine, coffee makers, radio clocks, toasters, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, ovens, stoves, clothes washers, stereo systems. In industry, it uses for measure various metric such as speed, temperature, moisture and pressure, and suitable transduction.

Other home equipments are included microprocessor such as bread machines, dishwashers, home lighting systems and some refrigerators.

Communication Sector:

In the telecom sector, microprocessor is used in the digital telephone system, telephone exchange and modem as well. Microprocessor play vital role in the railway reservation system and airlines reservation system at international level. Other areas such as Satellite communication systems, mobile phones, televisions and LAN / MAN network with computer network as well.

Use as an Office Automation and Publication:

Microprocessor has low cost and user friendly, due to those reasons it uses in various parts in office such as word processing, spreadsheet operations, storage and retrieval of huge information. In publication, microprocessor has to use in various areas like as automatic photo copies, LASER printers for getting better quality as well as good speed.

Uses for Consumers:

Today, microprocessor is used as consumer for different areas such as making toys, amusement devices, and embedded in house held devices with more entertainment and full pack stunning features as well.

Uses of Microprocessor:

  • Calculator machine
  • Accounting computation system
  • Games devices
  • Traffic light controlling system
  • Complicated Industrial Controller terminals
  • Helping to create multiuser and multi function environment
  • Military areas
  • Broadcasting system
  • Data acquisition systems

Microprocessor Examples

Here, we will spread the light on various examples of microprocessor; below shown each one:

  • DEC’s Alpha 21064, 21164 and 21264 processors
  • SUN’s SPARC and ULTRA SPARC;
  • PowerPC processors 601, 604, and more
  • MIPS: TS (R10000) RISC Processor
  • PA-RISC: HP 7100LC
  • IBM 370/168
  • VAX 11/780
  • Intel 386, 486, 80486
  • Pentium Pro, Pentium, Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium 4;
  • Motorola’s 68000, 68020, 68030, 68040
  • Pentium, Pentium Pro
  • Pentium II, Pentium III
  • Texas instruments’ TMS 320C25,
  • Motorola 56000,
  • National LM 32900,
  • Fujitsu MBB 8764
  • AMD-2900, 2909, 2910, 29300 series,
  • Texas instrument’s SN-74AS88XX series
  • INMOS T414
  • INMOS T800
  • Intel 82786
  • Intel i860
  • Intel i750

Microprocessor Function & Working

In this section, we solve your doubt that how does a microprocessor work? as well as explain numerous microprocessor functions.
microprocessor-functions

  • It controls of all components of machine and broadcast the timing signals.
  • Microprocessor retrieves all instructions from main memory such as RAM and ROM.
  • These fetched data are decoded, and decide which operation is to be performed as per condition.
  • All instructions are proceed for executing, and apply the arithmetically and logically operations according to situation.
  • It stores the executed programs.
  • Make the communication between all I/O devices, and transfer entire data.
  • If, it need extra execution of instructions then CPU help to supervision for all I/O devices.
  • In the end, finally outputs after execution of instructions send to memory or I/O Module.

Advantages of Microprocessor

There are various features and benefits of microprocessor. Describe below 

  • Microprocessor helps to perform all complex arithmetically and logically instructions.
  • Microprocessor has more power to execute 3-4 billion instructions in one second, and it measure in Hertz.
  • Microprocessor is able to transfer huge data one memory location to other location.
  • Microprocessor can be performed floating point number in few milliseconds.
  • Microprocessor is generic product, means it can be used in various electronic processing devices with pre-programmed for performing to specific task.
  • Microprocessor helps to provide accessibility for controlling of couple of equipments with in time sharing.
  • Microprocessor is able to multiprocessing and Parallel Processing.
  • Easy to modification.
  • Low cost.
  • Better Reliability and Versatility
  • Microprocessor needs to external controllers for performing huge tasks along with extra capability.
  • Microprocessor has flexible to program in nature.
  • Microprocessor is based on the Low Thermal Design Power (TDP) means to it enables to thinner, lighter, portable notebook devices.
  • Microprocessor has to include the “Hyper Threading”.

Disadvantages of Microprocessor

Microprocessor has various limitations (cons) over their advantages as well.

  • Microprocessors are getting more heat due to perform task.
  • In Microprocessor, small packet of data can be transfer.
  • Microprocessor does not contain any internal physical memory such as RAM or ROM.
  • It must not contact any external peripheral due to generate more heat.
  • Microprocessor is totally base on the machine language.
  • Degrade to 3D performance.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What do you mean by a microprocessor?

Microprocessor is a kind of electronic device that has the arithmetic, logic, and control circuitry mandatory to execute many functions of your computer’s CPU (Central Processing Unit).

Why are called microprocessor?

Because, the microprocessor is comprised of transistors in small size (micro-meter). The word micro is going to use in electronics and in science generally, to mean One-millionth or 10^-6.

Why is microprocessor important?

Microprocessor is most essential part of your computer architecture because without using it you will not able to execute anything on your PC. It takes the input from input devices and performs few arithmetic and logical operations over it then provides the accurate output.

What is evolution of microprocessor?

Through this article, already we have been explained microprocessor evolution in detail; you can read them.

Who invented the first microprocessor and when?

First microprocessor was developed by INTEL in 1971, and its name was Intel 4004. Intel 4004 is based on 4 bit processor.

What are the five generation of microprocessor?

  • First generation of microprocessor was introduced by Intel from 1971 – 1972.
  • Second generation microprocessor was designed in 1973-1978 with 8 bit processor.
  • Third generation microprocessor was developed in 1978 along with 16 bit processor.
  • Four generation microprocessor was introduced from 1981 to 1995 with 32 bit processor.
  • Fifth generation microprocessor had been come from 1995 along with 64 bit processor.

What are the different types of microprocessor architecture?

There are 10 different kinds of microprocessor like as RISC, CISC, Superscalar   Microprocessor, ASIC, DSP, SIMD, Symbolic Processors, Bit-Slice Processors, Transputers, and Graphic Processors. Above in this post, we already explained each one in detail; you can check them.

What is microprocessor classification?

Microprocessors are classified into ten types, namely: RISC, CISC, Superscalar   Microprocessor, ASIC, DSP, SIMD, Symbolic Processors, Bit-Slice Processors, Transputers, and Graphic Processors.

What are microprocessor chips used for?

Microprocessor is used to execute many arithmetic and logic operations that make use of little number-holding spot namely registers. Microprocessor operations are involved are adding, subtracting, comparing two numbers, and fetching numbers from one area to another.

What is main application of microprocessor in daily real life?

You can find microprocessor-based systems, which are used in your real life such as traffic light control, communication equipment, television, and satellite communication, home appliances, such as microwave oven, washing machine, gaming, and automatic testing of products, speed control of motors, and more.

Where are microprocessors used at home?

Few home appliances that contain microprocessors are: ovens, stoves, clothes washers, stereo systems, home computers, alarm clocks, hand-held game devices, thermostats, video game systems, toasters, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, bread machines, dishwashers, etc.

Where are microprocessor used in daily life?

A microprocessor is uses into various areas like as Instrumentation, controlled devices, mobile phone, automobile sector, Defense sector, Home equipment, Communication Sector, Office Automation & Publication, Consumers, and more.

What are the 5 examples of microprocessor in daily life?

There are many examples of microprocessor, which are used in real life such as CISC (IBM 370/168 and VAX 11/780), DSP (Motorola 56000 and National LM 32900), Bit-Slice Microprocessors (AMD-2900, 2909, 2910, 29300 series), Superscalar Microprocessors (Pentium and Pentium Pro), Transputers (INMOS T414 and INMOS T800) and more.

What are the functions of microprocessor describe it with diagram?

In this article, we already described all functions of microprocessor along with diagram in detail; you can check them.

What are the different functional units of a microprocessor?

8086 Microprocessor is split into two functional units such as EU (Execution Unit) and BIU (Bus Interface Unit).

Final Remarks

Now, i hope that you have completely educated about What is Microprocessor and its types, examples, functions and applications; as well as involving with history and evolution of microprocessor with ease. If this article is valuable for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

READ MORE: CPU Register: Types of CPU Registers with its Functions!!

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Happy Learning!!

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