What is the difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller
We all are always confused about what is the difference between a microprocessor and microcontroller? Is it really that difficult to understand? Let’s find out.
In this blog, we are going to discuss microcontroller Vs microprocessor in detail. Also, at last, I will give you some interesting tips to know how to choose a microprocessor or microcontroller for your DIY project. I assure you this blog won’t disappoint you, you will get all information that you are looking for.
In This blog we are going to learn:
1) WHAT IS A MICROPROCESSOR?
In simple words, The microprocessor is useful in very intensive processes. It only contains a CPU (central processing unit) but there are many other parts needed to work with the CPU to complete a process. These all other parts are connected externally.
Microprocessors are not made for a specific task as well as they are useful where tasks are complex and tricky like the development of software, games, and other applications that require high memory and where input and output are not defined.
Do you understand? I think a bit, but it’s ok, let’s understand by some daily life examples
A) Household devices: Complex home security, Home computers, Video game systems and many more.
B) Transportation and Industrial Devices: Automobiles, trains, planes, Computer servers, high tech medical devices, etc.
Did you notice! All the above applications are complex and they need to process all complicated data.
Let’s know about microcontroller.
2) WHAT IS MICROCONTROLLER?
The microcontroller is designed for a specific task or to perform the assigned task repeatedly. Once the program is embedded on a microcontroller chip, it can’t be altered easily and you may need some special tools to reburn it. As per application, the process is fixed in microcontroller. Hence, the output depends on the input given by the user or sensors or predefined inputs.
The applications easily connect with concepts, so let’s find out day to day life examples
e.g. Calculator, Washing Machine, ATM machine, Robotic Arm, Camera, Microwave oven, Oscilloscope, Digital multimeter, ECG Machine, Printer so on and so forth.
I think this is enough for introduction. The real story about microprocessor and microcontroller difference is here!!!
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3) DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MICROPROCESSOR AND MICROCONTROLLER:
Let’s try to understand by this diagram,
fig.1 Block diagram of microcontroller
We can see microprocessor is part of a microcontroller with extra memory, I/O ports, and peripherals such as timer and counters.
This gives a major clarity between both, but let’s dig deep some technical differences.
MICROCONTROLLER VS MICROPROCESSOR:
I think we have covered all major aspects. Let’s move to our bonus tip.
BRIEF OVERVIEW:
Microprocessor consists of only a Central Processing Unit, whereas Micro Controller contains a CPU, Memory, I/O all integrated into one chip.
The microprocessor is useful in Personal Computers whereas Micro Controller is useful in an embedded system.
The microprocessor uses an external bus to interface to RAM, ROM, and other peripherals, on the other hand, Microcontroller uses an internal controlling bus.
Microprocessors are based on Von Neumann model Microcontrollers are based on Harvard architecture
The microprocessor is complicated and expensive, with a large number of instructions to process but Microcontroller is inexpensive and straightforward with fewer instructions to process.