NMJ21304

-MICROCONTROLLER AND INTERFACES-

BIOMEDICAL ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING PROGRAM
YEAR 2, SEMESTER 2
© Anas Mohd Noor, 2023.

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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

1.1 History
1.2 Computer System
1.3 Computer Organization
1.4 Microprocessor System and Architecture
1.5 Microcontroller System and Architecture
1.6 Differences Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller
1.7 Differences Between Von Neumann and Harvard architecture
1.8 Von Neumann and Harvard Applications
1.1 History

The first computing device, the abacus, was invented in ancient times in
China and later in other parts of the world.

The first programmable computing device, the Jacquard loom, was

created in 1801.

The first electronic computer, the ENIAC, was built in the US in 1945 and
was used for military calculations.

The invention of the transistor in 1947 paved the way for smaller, faster
and more efficient computers.

The development of the integrated circuit in 1958 made it possible to

pack thousands of transistors onto a single chip.

The invention of the graphical user interface (GUI) in the 1980s made
computers more accessible to non-technical users.

The creation of the World Wide Web in 1991 revolutionized the way
people use computers and access information.
1.2 Computer System

A computer system is an electronic device consisting of hardware

and software components that work together to perform various
operations and tasks.

The hardware components include the physical components such

as the central processing unit (CPU), memory, storage,
input/output devices, and peripherals.

The software components consist of the programs and

applications that run on the hardware, such as operating systems,
drivers, and user applications.

Together, the hardware and software work in harmony to process

data and instructions, store and retrieve information,
communicate with other devices, and perform a wide range of
tasks efficiently and effectively.
1.3 Computer Organization

Computer organization refers to the way in which the hardware

components of a computer system are arranged and
interconnected to carry out the instructions of a program.

It includes the design and configuration of the various

hardware components such as the CPU, memory, input/output
devices, and buses, as well as the way they interact with each
other to process data and perform operations.

Computer organization also involves the selection of

appropriate hardware components and their integration to
ensure optimal performance, reliability, and efficiency.

In addition, computer organization plays a critical role in the

development of computer systems that are scalable, adaptable,
and can meet the evolving needs of users and applications.
1.4 Microprocessor System and Architecture

Microprocessor architecture refers to the design and

organization of the various components within a
microprocessor, which is a central processing unit (CPU) that
is contained on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip. The
architecture of a microprocessor includes several key
elements, such as the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), busses,
memory, and input/output (I/O) interfaces.

The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations on data,

while busses transmit data between the components of the
microprocessor. Memory stores program instructions and
data, and I/O interfaces allow communication with external
devices. The microprocessor architecture must be carefully
designed to ensure optimal performance and functionality.
1.5 Microcontroller System and Architecture

Microcontroller architecture refers to the design of a small

computer system on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip that
includes a microprocessor, memory, input/output (I/O) ports,
and other peripherals.

The microcontroller architecture includes several key

components such as the central processing unit (CPU), which
executes program instructions and performs calculations. The
memory unit stores program instructions and data, which can
be either internal or external to the microcontroller.

The I/O ports are used to interface with external devices such
as sensors, displays, and actuators. These ports allow data to
be input and output from the microcontroller. Other
peripherals such as timers, interrupts, and analog-to-digital
converters (ADCs) are also included in the microcontroller
architecture.
1.6 Differences Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller

Microprocessors typically only include a

processing unit, while microcontrollers
integrate a processing unit, memory, I/O
ports, and other peripherals on a single chip.

Microprocessors usually require external

memory, while microcontrollers have
integrated memory such as flash, EEPROM,
and SRAM.

Microprocessors typically have a limited

number of I/O ports, while microcontrollers
have multiple I/O ports that can be used to
interface with sensors, displays, and other
devices.
1.6 Differences Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller

µP μC
MULTIPLE CHIP SINGLE CHIP
1.7 Differences Between Von Neumann and Harvard architecture

The main differences between Von Neumann and Harvard architectures are:

Memory: In Von Neumann architecture, a single memory system is used for both instructions and data, while in Harvard
architecture, separate memories are used for instructions and data.

Memory Access: In Von Neumann architecture, the CPU accesses memory sequentially, which may result in bottlenecks
and slow performance, while in Harvard architecture, separate buses are used for instruction and data access, allowing
for simultaneous access and faster performance.

Instruction Fetching: In Von Neumann architecture, instructions are fetched from memory one at a time, while in Harvard
architecture, multiple instructions can be fetched at the same time, improving performance.

Von Neumann architecture is simpler and more flexible, but can be slower due to bottlenecks caused by sequential
memory access.

Harvard architecture, on the other hand, is faster due to its separate memories and parallel processing capabilities, but
can be less flexible and more complex. The choice between the two architectures depends on the specific requirements
of the application.
1.7 Differences Between Von Neumann and Harvard architecture
1.8 Von Neumann and Harvard Applications

The Von Neumann and Harvard architectures are used in a wide range of applications:

Von Neumann architecture:

Desktop and laptop computers: The Von Neumann architecture is widely used in personal computers, as it provides a
flexible and compatible design for general-purpose computing tasks.

Smartphones: Many smartphones also use the Von Neumann architecture, due to its flexibility and compatibility with
mobile operating systems and apps.

Embedded systems: The Von Neumann architecture is also used in embedded systems, such as those used in
automotive and industrial control systems, because it provides a flexible and simple design that can be easily modified
and upgraded.

Mainframe computers: Some mainframe computers also use the Von Neumann architecture, due to its compatibility
with large-scale enterprise applications and databases.

Workstations: Some workstations, such as those used in engineering and design, also use the Von Neumann
architecture, due to its compatibility with a wide range of software and hardware components.
1.8 Von Neumann and Harvard Applications

Harvard architecture:

DSP (digital signal processing) systems: The Harvard architecture is well-suited for DSP systems, which require high
performance and parallel processing for tasks such as audio and video processing.

Supercomputing systems: The Harvard architecture is used in some supercomputing systems, due to its ability to provide high
performance and parallel processing for scientific simulations and other high-performance computing tasks.

Control systems: The Harvard architecture is used in some control systems, such as those used in robotics and avionics, due to
its ability to provide predictable and high-speed performance.

Military systems: The Harvard architecture is used in some military systems, such as radar and missile guidance systems, due
to its ability to provide secure and predictable performance for critical defense applications.

Scientific instruments: The Harvard architecture is used in some scientific instruments, such as spectrometers and
oscilloscopes, due to its ability to provide high-speed and parallel processing for real-time data analysis and display.
Summary of Chapter 1 – Introduction to Computer

1.1 History:
Computers have been around since the 1800s
Electronic computers were developed in the 20th century
Computer technology has had a significant impact on various fields

1.2 Computer System:

Combination of hardware and software that process and manage data
Includes input, output, storage, processing, and communication devices

1.3 Computer Organization:

Refers to how components of a computer system are organized and interconnected
Includes processor architecture, memory hierarchy, I/O systems, and communication interfaces

1.4 Microprocessor System and Architecture:

Computer processor contained on a single integrated circuit
Includes instruction set, registers, address bus, data bus, and control unit

1.5 Microcontroller System and Architecture:

Computer on a chip that includes a processor, memory, and I/O peripherals
Includes CPU, memory, I/O ports, timers, and interrupt controller
Summary of Chapter 1 – Introduction to Computer

1.6 Differences Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller:

Microprocessor is only the CPU, while microcontroller contains CPU, memory, and I/O peripherals on a single chip

1.7 Differences Between Von Neumann and Harvard Architecture:

Von Neumann architecture: memory shared between data and instruction
Harvard architecture: data and instruction stored in separate memory spaces
Harvard architecture allows for faster execution times and more efficient use of memory

1.8 Von Neumann and Harvard Applications:

Von Neumann architecture used in general-purpose computers
Harvard architecture preferred in embedded systems, such as microcontrollers