Microprocessors and Microcontrollers Flashcards
What is a microprocessor?
It is the heart of a computer. Known also as a CPU it is a complete computation engine fabricated onto a single chip.
What is a microcontroller?
A small computer on an integrated circuit. It can contain one or more CPU’s along with memory and programmable input output peripherals.
What are the different applications of the microprocessor and microcontroller?
A microprocessor is designed for use in general computers and other applications whereas the micro controller is designed to be used in embedded applications.
What are the 5 basic structures of a computer?
- Input devices
- Processor
- Main Memory
- Output Devices
- Backing storage.
What are the 3 classifications of a computer based on structure?
Mechanical
Electrical
Electromechanical
What are the 3 classifications of a computer based on computation type?
Analog
Digital
Hybrid
What are the different computer classifications based on size?
Smartphone Microcomputer Personal Computer Laptop Mainframe Super Computer
What are the 4 main components of a microprocessor?
- A CPU - this will recognize and carry out programme instructions.
- Memory - to hold the programme instructions and data
- Input and Output - Communicate with the outside world, things like a mouse and a keyboard for the input and then a monitor for the output.
- Buses - these are just paths along with electrical signals can move. However it does mean that when one piece of info is on a bus, other data must wait.
What different parts does a MicroProcessor have?
ALU
Registers
Control Unit
What is the ALU?
This stands for arithmetic and logic unit and it is responsible for performing all data manipulation.
What is a Register?
The place where data is temporarily held while the CPU uses it. Memory locations within the microprocessor.
What is the Control Unit?
It determines the timing and sequence of operations. Generates the timing signals used to fetch a programme from the memory and execute it.
What is the memory of a microprocessor?
It stores binary data and takes the form of one or more integrated circuits. Data could be something like programme instructions.
What determines the size of the memory of a microprocessor?
The number of wires in the address bus. It is essentially just a unit containing storage cells that can hold either a 0 or 1 bit. These cells are grouped in locations that are capable of holding one word, and each location will have a unique address.
What is ROM?
Stands for Read Only Memory. Used for data that is stored permanently in a device. Data cannot be written to it while in the computer and it will not lose its data when the power is turned off.
What is PROM?
Programmable ROM. ROM chips that can be programmed by a user. Initially it has a fusible link between memory cells to keep them all at 0. That 0 is permanently changed to 1 by sending a current through the fuse to open it permanently. Data cannot be changed after this point.
What is EPROM
Erasable PROM. So you can programme the memory more than once. Typically contains small circuit cells that can store charge. Store programmes by applying voltage to the pins of the IC and creating a network of charged and uncharged cells.
How do we alter the memory in EPROM?
Shine UV light through a hole in the top of the IC. This will reset all cells to uncharged and will allow it to be reprogrammed.
What is EEPROM?
Electrically Erasable PROM. It is the same as EPROM but we erase the data by applying a high voltage not through UV.
What is RAM?
Random Access Memory. It is used to store temporary data . Can read or write to RAM.
What is the definition of the input output operation?
The transfer of data between the microprocessor and the outside world.
Why do we use Interface Chips?
Since the speeds of the peripheral devices is different from that of the microprocessor, we connect them through an interface chip to synchronize the data transfers between these two devices.
What is the function of the Data Bus?
It is used to transport data associated with the CPU between the CPU, memory and Input/Output.
What is the function of the Address Bus?
It will carry signals that indicate where certain data is to be found. Each storage location will have a unique address. Once an address has been selected, its address is placed on the address bus and then only that location is open to communications from the CPU.
What is the function of the control Bus?
It carries signals relating to the control actions, so like when the microprocessor needs to inform memory that they need to read data from input or write data to output.
What do we need to consider when selecting a microcontroller?
Number of input/output pins
Interfaces - is PWM required?
The number of interrupts required
Processing speed required.
What is a system on a chip?
It is a microprocessor that has been integrated onto a chip with advanced peripherals such as advanced graphics, wifi etc… It is similiar to how a microcontroller integrates a microprocessor onto a single chip with input/output peripherals.
