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Home > Mall Dynamic > What's The Difference Between A Microprocessor And A Microcontroller?
The programs in the microcontroller memory, which are used closely with the microcontroller hardware and peripheral hardware circuits, are different from the software of the PC, and the programs of the microcontroller are called Firmware. In general, the microprocessor refers to the CPU on a single integrated circuit, while the microcontroller refers to the CPU, ROM, RAM, I/O, timer, etc., on a single integrated circuit. Compared with the CPU, the microcontroller is not so powerful in computing power, nor does it have a Memory Management Unit (MMU), which makes the microcontroller can only handle some relatively single and simple control, logic and other tasks, which is widely used in device control, sensor signal processing and other fields. Such as some home appliances, industrial equipment, power tools and so on.
In general, the MCU consists of CPU, Memory, input/output (I/O) and other parts.
CPU, named central processing unit in English, is the core component of MCU, including two main parts: ALU, Arithmetic and Logic Unit (arithmetic and logic Unit) and controller (CU, Control Unit), as well as related registers. The computer is responsible for data processing, and the controller is responsible for the logic control of the program
The Memory of a microcontroller can generally be divided into program read-only memory (ROM), data random access memory (RAM) and data memory (EEPROM). Program read-only memory is a place where program code is generally stored, and can also be some data constants or pictures.
Program Read-only Memory (ROM) - Program read-only memory, used to store program code, data constants, images, etc. After a power failure, the content is not lost.
Random Access Memory (RAM) - Data random access memory is used to hold the data of the calculation process or the result of the calculation. After a power failure, the content will be lost.
Data Memory (EEPROM, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) - Used specifically to store program-related data, such as equipment-related parameters or process data.
Program read-only memory is generally achieved by different technologies, the continuous evolution of technology, storage firmware memory is also constantly developing, and now the mainstream of the market is Flash memory. Common techniques are:
MASK ROM - Mask ROM
PROM (rogrammable Read-Only Memory) - Programmable read-only memory, also known as OTP (One Time Programmable, one time programmable)
EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) - Erasable programmable Read only memory
EEPROM (Electrical Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) - Electrical erasable programmable read only memory
Flash - Flash memory, a non-volatile electrically erasable programmable memory used to store program instructions and data. The key parameter of flash memory is its durability or the number of times it can be erased or reprogrammed.
Microprocessors and microcontrollers are both internal components of electronic devices. A microprocessor is a very small processing unit inside a CPU. It is a single integrated circuit on a computer chip that performs various arithmetic and logic functions on digital signals. Dozens of microprocessors work together inside high-performance servers for data processing and analysis.
Microcontrollers, on the other hand, are the basic computing units in smart electronic devices such as washing machines and thermostats. It is a very small computer with its own RAM, ROM, and I/O systems, all embedded on a single chip. It can process digital signals and respond to user input, but its computing power is limited.
Microprocessors support a wide range of computing operations in personal computers and enterprise servers. Microcontrollers, on the other hand, allow embedded systems to analyze and respond to inputs in real time.
Engineers consider these kinds of differences when developing systems with microprocessors and microcontrollers.
Clock speed
Microprocessors provide high speed and powerful computing power for different applications. Modern computer processors operate in the gigahertz (GHz) range. This enables computer systems to perform complex mathematical calculations and return results quickly.
Although the speed of microcontrollers has improved over the decades, it is still far below the processing speed of microprocessors. Microcontrollers have clock speeds ranging from kilohertz (kHz) to hundreds of megahertz (MHz), depending on their purpose. Despite the low speed range, microcontrollers operate at optimum performance within their dedicated application range.
Circuit size
The microprocessor can't run on its own. It relies on external components (such as communication chips, I/O ports, RAM, and ROM) to form a complete computing system. Thus, microprocessor-based circuits consist of address and data buses that connect many peripherals and memory chips. Even with advances in printed circuit board (PCB) technology, microprocessor systems still require a considerable amount of space.
However, microcontrollers offer a space-saving design with simpler circuitry. Most of the add-ons needed for a microprocessor-based system can easily be carried on the same chip. Engineers design electronic devices using individual microcontrollers, rather than using separate individual components. This leaves more space on the electronic circuit board, enabling engineers to produce compact systems.
Power dissipation
Microprocessors typically operate at higher speeds and consume more power than microcontrollers, so an external power supply is required. Similarly, due to the large number of add-ons, the total power consumption of computing systems based on microprocessor units is also higher.
Microcontrollers, on the other hand, are designed to operate efficiently with minimal power. In addition, most microcontrollers have power-saving features that are missing from microprocessors.
For example, a microcontroller can activate a power-saving mode and reduce power consumption when not processing data. The microcontroller can also turn off unused internal peripherals to save power. This makes microcontrollers ideal for building dedicated low-power applications that run on a storage power supply.
Operating system
In practical applications, microprocessors require an operating system to provide proper functionality. Without an operating system, the user must issue instructions to the microprocessor in assembly or binary language.
On the other hand, a microcontroller can run without an operating system. However, some specific operating systems can help mid - to high-end microcontrollers run more efficiently.
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Compared to microcontrollers, microprocessors handle more diverse communication technologies. For example, a microprocessor can handle high-speed USB 3.0 or Gigabit Ethernet data without an auxiliary processor.
However, most microcontrollers require special processors to enable high-speed data connections.
cost
The microprocessor integrated circuit consists only of the CPU, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and registers, which reduces the cost of unit manufacturing. The internal architecture of a single microcontroller is more complex and often more expensive than a microprocessor.
However, a microprocessor-based system is more expensive because it requires additional components. In contrast, the microcontroller itself is sufficient to meet the needs of its chosen application.
Microcontrollers require fewer additional components, so microcontroller-based systems are cheaper. For example, an air conditioning circuit board with a microcontroller costs less than a computer motherboard with a microprocessor.
Microprocessors and microcontrollers are useful electronic components when applied to appropriate application scenarios.
If you need powerful processing power for complex or unpredictable computing tasks, use a microprocessor. Microprocessors are used in all types of computing devices, such as servers, desktop computers, and mobile computing devices.
Organizations use servers with many microprocessors for high-performance computing and to run artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
On the other hand, if you want to build a control system with a very narrow scope, then a microcontroller is a better choice. Microcontrollers are also useful for systems that require low power consumption.
Some microcontrollers can run for months on a small battery. For example, smart home systems are powered by microcontrollers. Compact devices such as drones or portable audio players also contain microcontrollers.
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