Scribd
Upload
12 views

Difference Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller

Uploaded by

Rashmi Agrawal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
12 views

Difference Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller

Uploaded by

Rashmi Agrawal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller

The following table highlights the differences between a microprocessor and a microcontroller −

Microcontroller Microprocessor

Microcontrollers are used to execute a single task within an application. Microprocessors are used
for big applications.

Its designing and hardware cost is low. Its designing and hardware
cost is high.

Easy to replace. Not so easy to replace.

It is built with CMOS technology, which requires less power to operate. Its power consumption is
high because it has to
control the entire system.

It consists of CPU, RAM, ROM, I/O ports. It doesn’t consist of RAM,


ROM, I/O ports. It uses its
pins to interface to
peripheral devices.

Types of Microcontrollers
Microcontrollers are divided into various categories based on memory, architecture, bits and
instruction sets. Following is the list of their types −

Bit
Based on bit configuration, the microcontroller is further divided into three categories.
 8-bit microcontroller − This type of microcontroller is used to execute arithmetic and
logical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication division, etc. For example, Intel
8031 and 8051 are 8 bits microcontroller.
 16-bit microcontroller − This type of microcontroller is used to perform arithmetic and
logical operations where higher accuracy and performance is required. For example, Intel
8096 is a 16-bit microcontroller.
 32-bit microcontroller − This type of microcontroller is generally used in automatically
controlled appliances like automatic operational machines, medical appliances, etc.
Memory
Based on the memory configuration, the microcontroller is further divided into two categories.
 External memory microcontroller − This type of microcontroller is designed in such a
way that they do not have a program memory on the chip. Hence, it is named as external
memory microcontroller. For example: Intel 8031 microcontroller.
 Embedded memory microcontroller − This type of microcontroller is designed in such a
way that the microcontroller has all programs and data memory, counters and timers,
interrupts, I/O ports are embedded on the chip. For example: Intel 8051 microcontroller.
Instruction Set
Based on the instruction set configuration, the microcontroller is further divided into two
categories.
 CISC − CISC stands for complex instruction set computer. It allows the user to insert a
single instruction as an alternative to many simple instructions.
 RISC − RISC stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computers. It reduces the operational
time by shortening the clock cycle per instruction.

Applications of Microcontrollers
Microcontrollers are widely used in various different devices such as −
 Light sensing and controlling devices like LED.
 Temperature sensing and controlling devices like microwave oven, chimneys.
 Fire detection and safety devices like Fire alarm.
 Measuring devices like Volt Meter.

You might also like