MICROPROCESSOR BASIS
A microprocessor, also called CPU ( Central processing unit ), is a multipurpose, programmable logic device (an IC) that reads binary instruction from a storage device called memory, accepts binary data as inputs, and processes data to those instructions, and provides results as outputs.
There are some basic characteristics of microprocessors that define the power and capacity of microprocessors.
1. Instruction Sets
The possible operation a microprocessor can execute is determined through its instruction set. Programs are written for a microprocessor-based on its instruction sets. For example, the SIMP computer understands 10 instructions, and any program written for its uses those ten instructions in various ways. Advanced processors can even have from 150 to over 200 instructions, allowing for extremely complicated tasks. Sometimes a larger instruction set gives better performances.
2. The Word Size
The number of bits processed in single instruction depends upon the word size of a microprocessor. The word size determines the amount of information that can be processed in one go ( during one cycle of the hardware clock ) and the amount of RAM that can be accessed.
When we're talking about a 64-bit processor, we essentially mean a processor with a 64-bit word size. Similarly, a 32-bit processor means it has a word size of 32 bits.
3. Clock Speed
Also called clock rate, the clock speed is the speed at which a microprocessor executes instructions. Every computer contains an internal clock that regulates the rate at which instructions execute and synchronizes various computer components.
Clock speed is a major factor in determining the power of a computer. The faster the clock, the more instruction the microprocessor can executes per second. The clock speed is stated in either MHz or GHz. 1MHz is equal to 1 million cycles per second, while 1GHz equals 1 billion cycles per second.
In both cases, the higher the values, the more powerful the CPU is. For example, a 32-bit microprocessor that runs at 50 MHz is more powerful than a 16-bit microprocessor that runs at 25 MHz. Nowadays, microprocessors can works with clock speed up to 3.7GHz2.
Microprocessor Composition
Most general-purpose computers have a simple microprocessor, mostly based on the calculator models.
The microprocessor should be able to:
1. Take Data (inputs)
2. Decode instruction (what to do)
3. Executes instruction (calculate/computer/store)
4. Give final result (output)
To perform as specified above, these should be following faculties with microprocessors.
Central Processing Unit
It is the central faculty responsible for carrying out the designated tasks. It further comprises of following subunits :
1. Control Units. Supervises the operations
2. Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU). Carries out arithmetical and logical calculations.
Memory
This Faculty is responsible for holding data and instruction. It further comprises of :
1. Read-Only Memory (ROM). Responsible for carrying the address of a memory location or an inputs/outputs port. It is a unidirectional bus from CPU to memory or inputs/outputs ports.
2. Data Bus. Carries the actual data to and fro memory location, to outputs ports, and from inputs ports. It is a bidirectional bus that can carry 16 bits to 32 bits or 64 bits of data depending on architecture.
Carries control signals such as clock signals (timing signals), whether a device is ready (ready signal), or whether to stop/halt (interrupt signal). 3. Control Bus. It is also a bidirectional bus.
Inputs-Outputs Units
This input is responsible for getting data from inputs devices and sending outputs to outputs devices. It further comprises of :
1. Ports. The connections to inputs/outputs devices/peripherals.
2. Inputs Devices. The devices that provide inputs in various forms.
3. Outputs Devices. The devices that get the result and produce it in a human-understandable form.
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/microprocessor/microprocessor_classification.htm
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