Basics of Microprocessor
Microprocessor is a controlling unit of a micro-computer, fabricated on a small chip capable of performing ALU (Arithmetic Logical Unit) operations and communicating with the other devices connected to it.
Microprocessor consists of an ALU, register array, and a control unit. ALU performs arithmetical and logical operations on the data received from the memory or an input device.
Register array consists of registers identified by letters like B, C, D, E, H, L and accumulator. The control unit controls the flow of data and instructions within the computer.
How does a Microprocessor Work? The microprocessor follows a sequence: Fetch, Decode, and then Execute. Initially, the instructions are stored in the memory in a sequential order. The microprocessor fetches those instructions from the memory, then decodes it and executes those instructions till STOP instruction is reached. Later, it sends the result in binary to the output port. Between these processes, the register stores the temporarily data and ALU performs the computing functions.
List of Terms Used in a Microprocessor
Instruction Set
It is the set of instructions that the microprocessor can understand.
Bandwidth It is the number of bits processed in a single instruction.
Clock Speed It determines the number of operations per second the processor can perform. It is expressed in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).It is also known as Clock Rate.
Word Length It depends upon the width of internal data bus, registers, ALU, etc. An 8-bit microprocessor can process 8-bit data at a time. The word length ranges from 4 bits to 64 bits depending upon the type of the microcomputer.
Data Types The microprocessor has multiple data type formats like binary, BCD, ASCII, signed and unsigned numbers.
Features of a Microprocessor
Cost-effective The microprocessor chips are available at low prices and results its low cost.
Size The microprocessor is of small size chip, hence is portable.
Low Power Consumption Microprocessors are manufactured by using metal oxide semiconductor technology, which has low power consumption.
Versatility The microprocessors are versatile as we can use the same chip in a number of applications by configuring the software program.
Reliability The failure rate of an IC in microprocessors is very low, hence it is reliable.
Basic Definitions
Timing diagram It is a diagram showing timing of various signals of the microprocessor in relation to the system clock.
T state It is defined as one subdivision of the operation performed in one clock period. T-state is precisely equal to 1 clock period.
Machine Cycle It is defined as the time required to complete one operation of accessing memory IO or an external request.
Instruction Cycle It is defined as the time required to complete execution of an instruction. It may consist of 1 to 6 machine cycles.
Program It is a set of instructions written in a specific sequence for the computer to accomplish a given task.
Software It is a group of programs for a particular task.
Bus It is a group of lines to carry pit between the microprocessor and other components of the micro computer system.
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