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Types of Microprocessors

Types of Microprocessors

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22 views5 pages

Types of Microprocessors

Types of Microprocessors

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ezekiel nyamu
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Types of Microprocessors

This article provides an overview of the microprocessor, one of the most


important components of a modern computing device. It describes how
they function like the “brain” of the computer and enumerates the
different types of Microprocessors.

This also includes the vector processors, array processors, scalar


processors, RISC and CISC design, digital signal processors, symbolic
processors, and graphics processors. This article will help you understand
each of them and provides short descriptions for each type regarding
unique features and applications in different computing contexts.

What is a Microprocessor?

A microprocessor is a computer processor that is found in most modern


personal computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. It is a
central processing unit (CPU) that performs most of the processing tasks
in a computer system. The microprocessor is a key component of a
computer, as it controls the fetching, decoding, and execution of
instructions that are stored in memory. You can say that microprocessor is
used as the brain of the computing devices which control overall
execution and operations. The development of microprocessors has
played a significant role in the evolution of computers and has made it
possible for them to become smaller, faster, and more powerful over time.

Types of Microprocessors
Vector Processor

A vector processor is a type of central processing unit (CPU) that is


designed to perform mathematical operations on arrays of data, called
vectors, more efficiently than a scalar processor, which operates on single
data elements. Vector processors can perform operations on multiple data
elements simultaneously, which can lead to faster and more efficient
processing. Vector processors can be found in some supercomputers and
servers, as well as in some specialized graphics processing units (GPUs).

Array Processor or SIMD Processor

Array processors are also designed for vector computations. The


difference between an array processor and a scalar processor is that a
vector processor uses multiple vector pipelines whereas an array
processor employs a number of processing elements to operate in
parallel. Array processors can also be found in some supercomputers and
servers, as well as in some specialized graphics processing units (GPUs).
Array processors are different from scalar processors, which operate on
single data elements and are more common in general-purpose
computing applications.

Scalar Processor

It is a processor which executes scalar data. The simplest scalar processor


makes the processing of only integer instruction using fixed point
operands. A powerful scalar processor makes the processing of both
integers as well as floating point numbers. It contains an integer ALU and
a floating point unit (FPU) on the same CPU chip. A scalar processor may
be a CISC or RISC processor. A super scalar processor contains multiple
pipelines and executes more than one instruction per clock cycle.

RISC and CISC Processor


RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) and CISC (Complex Instruction
Set Computing) are two approaches to designing a central processing unit
(CPU), which is the main component of a computer that performs most of
the processing tasks. RISC processors have a smaller, simpler instruction
set, which means they have fewer types of instructions that they can
execute. This makes them easier to design and manufacture, and allows
them to execute instructions faster than CISC processors. RISC processors
are typically used in devices that require high performance and low power
consumption, such as smartphones and tablets. RISC processors are
faster and more efficient than CISC processors.

CISC processors, on the other hand, have a larger and more complex
instruction set, which means they can execute a wider range of
instructions. This makes them more versatile, but also more expensive
and slower to execute instructions than RISC processors. CISC processors
are typically used in devices that require more flexibility, such as desktop
computers and servers.

For more detail please refer to RISC and CISC articles.

Digital Signal Processor

A digital signal processor (DSP) is a specialized microprocessor designed


to perform high-speed mathematical operations on digital signals, which
are sequences of digital data representing physical quantities such as
sound, images, and other sensory information. DSPs are used in a range
of applications that require fast processing of digital signals, including
audio and video processing, telecommunications, and scientific
computing. DSPs are optimized for performing mathematical operations
common in signal processing, like filtering, convolution, and FFTs, and
have specialized instructions and hardware support for these tasks,
making them faster and more efficient than general-purpose
microprocessors.

Symbolic Processor

It is a processor that is designed to perform symbolic computation, which


is the manipulation of mathematical expressions and symbols using
algorithms and rules of symbolic logic. Such processors are designed for
expert systems, machine intelligence, knowledge-based system, pattern
recognition, etc. Symbolic processors are also called PROLOG processors.

Graphics Processor

A graphics processor is a specialized microprocessor designed to


accelerate the rendering of 2D and 3D graphics in a computer system. It is
used in devices like PCs, laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles, as
well as specialized graphics hardware. A GPU(Graphics processing unit) is
different from a CPU and is specifically designed to perform complex
calculations for high-quality graphics in real time. It performs tasks related
to graphics renderings, like shading and texturing, more efficiently than a
CPU. A GPU is also used in specialized graphics hardware such as graphics
cards and accelerators.

Applications of Microprocessor

 Computer: The Microprocessors are the CPU’s in computers.

 Embedded Systems: It is utilized as the main processing block in


the Embedded systems such as Washing machines, microwaves and
other equipment’s.

 Industrial Automation: It can be used to control Industrial


machinery and equipment’s.

 Automotive: The Modern day Vehicles uses Microprocessors in


there ECUs.

 Telecommunications: The Microprocessors are utilized in the


Telecommunications systems such as routers, modems, and
switches.

Conclusion

The demand for microprocessors in today’s computing devices is huge,


because they are used as the brain of computers and many other
electronic devices. We have seen some different types of microprocessors
serving specific tasks and applications. From the vector and array
processors with complex mathematical operations, to scalar and
RISC/CISC for general use, to specialized processors like the DSPs,
symbolic processors, and GPUs-all these exemplify in the diversity of
microprocessors to the wide range of computing needs in today’s world.
It’s very important to build a clear understanding for the same as the
types helps us better appreciate the complexity and capability of modern
technology.

Frequently Asked Questions on Types of Microprocessors-FAQ’s

Give examples for 8 / 16 / 32 bit Microprocessor?

The examples for 8 / 16 / 32 bit Microprocessor is as follows:

 8-bit Processor – 8085 / Z80 / 6800

 16-bit Processor – 8086 / 68000 / Z8000

 32-bit Processor – 80386 / 80486.


Why 8085 processor is called an 8 bit processor?

A 8085 processor is called an 8 bit processor because 8085 processor has


8 bit ALU (Arithmetic Logic Review). Similarly, 8086 processor has 16 bit
ALU.

What does microprocessor speed depend on?

The microprocessor speed or The processing speed depends on DATA BUS


WIDTH.

What is the difference between microprocessor and micro


controller?

A Microprocessor has more op-codes and few bit handling instructions but
in Micro controller, it has fewer op-codes but more bit handling
Instructions, and also it is defined as a device that includes more
microprocessor, memory, & input / output signal lines on a single chip.

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