Microprocessors and Microcontrollers

Question 1

What is a microprocessor?

Answer 1

It is the heart of a computer. Known also as a CPU it is a complete computation engine fabricated onto a single chip.

Question 2

What is a microcontroller?

Answer 2

A small computer on an integrated circuit. It can contain one or more CPU’s along with memory and programmable input output peripherals.

Question 3

What are the different applications of the microprocessor and microcontroller?

Answer 3

A microprocessor is designed for use in general computers and other applications whereas the micro controller is designed to be used in embedded applications.

Question 4

What are the 5 basic structures of a computer?

Answer 4

1. Input devices
2. Processor
3. Main Memory
4. Output Devices
5. Backing storage.

Question 5

What are the 3 classifications of a computer based on structure?

Answer 5

Mechanical
Electrical
Electromechanical

Question 6

What are the 3 classifications of a computer based on computation type?

Answer 6

Analog
Digital
Hybrid

Question 7

What are the different computer classifications based on size?

Answer 7

Smartphone
Microcomputer
Personal Computer
Laptop
Mainframe
Super Computer

Question 8

What are the 4 main components of a microprocessor?

Answer 8

1. A CPU - this will recognize and carry out programme instructions.
2. Memory - to hold the programme instructions and data
3. 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.
4. 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.

Question 9

What different parts does a MicroProcessor have?

Answer 9

ALU
Registers
Control Unit

Question 10

What is the ALU?

Answer 10

This stands for arithmetic and logic unit and it is responsible for performing all data manipulation.

Question 11

What is a Register?

Answer 11

The place where data is temporarily held while the CPU uses it. Memory locations within the microprocessor.

Question 12

What is the Control Unit?

Answer 12

It determines the timing and sequence of operations. Generates the timing signals used to fetch a programme from the memory and execute it.

Question 13

What is the memory of a microprocessor?

Answer 13

It stores binary data and takes the form of one or more integrated circuits. Data could be something like programme instructions.

Question 14

What determines the size of the memory of a microprocessor?

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

What is ROM?

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

What is PROM?

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

What is EPROM

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

How do we alter the memory in EPROM?

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

What is EEPROM?

Answer 19

Electrically Erasable PROM. It is the same as EPROM but we erase the data by applying a high voltage not through UV.

Question 20

What is RAM?

Answer 20

Random Access Memory. It is used to store temporary data . Can read or write to RAM.

Question 21

What is the definition of the input output operation?

Answer 21

The transfer of data between the microprocessor and the outside world.

Question 22

Why do we use Interface Chips?

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

What is the function of the Data Bus?

Answer 23

It is used to transport data associated with the CPU between the CPU, memory and Input/Output.

Question 24

What is the function of the Address Bus?

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

What is the function of the control Bus?

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

What do we need to consider when selecting a microcontroller?

Answer 26

Number of input/output pins
Interfaces - is PWM required?
The number of interrupts required
Processing speed required.

Question 27

What is a system on a chip?

Answer 27

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.