What is a microprocessor, microcontroller and programmable logic controller. What is the difference between a microcontroller and a microprocessor? Microprocessors and microcontrollers

Difference between microprocessors and microcontrollers. and got the best answer

Answer from Releboy[guru]
MICROPROCESSOR - an independent or part of a microcomputer information processing device, made in the form of one or several large integrated circuits (in essence, this is the brain of the microcontroller). The advent of single-chip microcomputers is associated with the beginning of the era of mass application of computer automation in the field of management. Apparently, this circumstance defined the term “controller” (English controller - regulator, control device). Due to the decline in domestic production and the increased import of equipment, including computing equipment, the term “microcontroller” (MK) has replaced the previously used term “single-chip microcomputer” from use. The first patent for a single-chip microcomputer was issued in 1971 to engineers M. Kochran and G. Boone, employees of the American Texas Instruments. It was they who proposed placing not only the processor, but also memory and I/O devices on one chip. When designing microcontrollers, there is a balance between size and cost on the one hand, and flexibility and performance on the other. For different applications, the optimal balance of these and other parameters can vary greatly. Therefore, there are a huge number of types of microcontrollers, differing in the architecture of the processor module, the size and type of built-in memory, a set of peripheral devices, type of case, etc. While 16-bit general-purpose processors have long been completely replaced by more productive models, 8-bit microcontrollers continue to be widely used. This is because there are a large number of applications in which high performance is not required, but low cost is important. At the same time, there are microcontrollers with greater computing capabilities, such as digital signal processors. Today, the term microcontroller is a computer that controls peripheral devices automatically without operator intervention. Usually work at lower levels of automation. Modern personal computers are powerful and high-speed microcontrollers aimed at performing a huge number of operations and functions with the participation of an operator. Collect and process information from controllers. Used at high levels of automation.

Answer from Yeerenky[guru]
As far as I know, the microprocessor is already programmed. and the microcontroller can be programmed as you want, depending on the tasks, the same controller can control the operation of, say, a multi-digit indicator with different counting, generate a frequency, control the switching of various devices, even on HF, control the operation of the interface (for example, a modem) they are usually used in relatively inexpensive multifunctional devices in depending on the time of release of the device, the functional service may vary; it is set by the program

Answer from Vladimir Nikolaev[guru]
A microcontroller is a computer on a single chip. Designed to control various electronic devices and interact between them in accordance with the program embedded in the microcontroller. Unlike microprocessors used in personal computers, microcontrollers contain built-in additional devices. These devices perform their tasks under the control of the microprocessor core of the microcontroller.

WHAT IS A MICROPROCESSOR, MICROCONTROLLER AND
PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER

The rapid development of electronics is rapidly changing our lives, and we notice this, first of all, in the social sphere, the areas of communication (communication) and communication. The first thing that comes to mind in this regard is computers, the Internet and cell phones. We are free to search for the necessary information and have the opportunity to contact the desired subscriber, regardless of our location. We can receive distance education and join groups based on professional, social or cultural interests. All this became possible largely thanks to the advent of the microprocessor and the creation of microprocessor systems.

Are there other manifestations of the progress of microelectronics that are not so noticeable at first glance, but play a significant role in our lives?

Yes! Microprocessors and microcontrollers are widely used in consumer electronics, automotive electronics, aerospace and military applications, and, of course, industrial manufacturing.

This article reveals some aspects of the use of microprocessor systems in technology and industry. If the further text seems too heavy and incomprehensible to you, we recommend that you first read the article “Fundamentals of Computer Science. Components of microprocessor systems."

• What is a microprocessor?
• What is a microcontroller? What are its features?
• Where are microcontrollers used?
• How is a microcontroller different from a microprocessor?
• What is a signal processor?
• What is a programmable logic controller (PLC)? How is it built?
• How is a PLC programmed?

You probably already know that any computer is an information processing machine, regardless of what specific task it performs. The central element of a computer is the microprocessor. If you ask a high school student: “What is a microprocessor?”, you will most likely receive the answer “The microprocessor is the heart of the computer.”

Microprocessor is a microelectronic programmable device designed to process information and control the processes of exchanging this information as part of a microprocessor system (computer).

Why “microelectronic”? Because microprocessors are manufactured using modern microelectronics technologies based on a semiconductor crystal. Information in a microprocessor system is transmitted by electrical impulses. Structurally, the microprocessor is executed in the form of one microcircuit (sometimes several). The microcircuit consists of a plastic or ceramic housing, inside of which a miniature semiconductor pad is placed (Fig. 1). All the electronic circuits of the microprocessor are “drawn” with a laser on this lining. The inputs and outputs of the pad circuit are connected to metal leads located on the sides or bottom of the chip body.

A)	b)

Rice. 1. Integrated circuit (a) and its internal structure (b)

Why is a microprocessor a “programmable device”? Because microprocessor systems are generally universal, that is, they are capable of performing a wide range of information processing tasks. And the microprocessor is “tuned” to perform a specific task using a program - a sequential list of machine commands.

The required components of a microprocessor are registers, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and a control unit. Registers are intended for temporary storage of data, an arithmetic-logical unit is intended for performing arithmetic and logical operations (i.e., for data processing). The control unit is responsible for the sequential execution of program commands and the correct redirection of data flows.

The microprocessor cannot work on its own. It is the central link of a microprocessor system, which also includes permanent and random access memory devices, information input and output devices, hard magnetic drives (the so-called “hard drives”), etc. Such microprocessor systems are actually called computers.

A personal computer can have many uses, but it is a rather expensive and bulky device. But how to endow household appliances, cars, and medical devices with elements of intelligence? How to make them “smart”? It is clear that the system unit of a regular computer cannot be installed in a household air conditioner. This will increase its cost two to three times. And as part of the so-called smart TV, we will not find a separate personal computer in its usual form. To automate this type of technology, special processor devices have been developed and manufactured - single-chip microcontrollers (English: “Microcontroller”). The English word “control” means “to control”, “to manage”. Thus, a microcontroller is a special microprocessor designed to automate a variety of devices and control their operation.

So, microcontroller is a specialized microelectronic programmable device intended for use in control units of various technical products, data transmission systems and process control systems.

Microcontrollers are used in household appliances, medical devices, elevator control systems, telephones, walkie-talkies and other means of communication, electronic musical instruments and car radios, computer peripherals (keyboards, joysticks, printers, etc.), traffic lights, automatic gates and barriers, interactive children's toys, cars, locomotives and airplanes, robots and industrial machines.

Rice. 2. Areas of application of microcontrollers.

Microcontrollers are also widely used in automotive electronics. For example, a Peugeot 206 car has 27 microcontrollers on board, and high-end cars, such as the BMW 7 Series, use more than 60 microcontrollers. They regulate the stiffness of the adaptive suspension, control fuel injection, lighting, wiper motors, power windows and rear-view mirrors, etc. (Fig. 3).

Rice. 3. Use of microcontrollers in automotive electronics
(based on materials from Microchip Technology).

A microcontroller, unlike a microprocessor, usually has a small width (8 - 16 bits) and a rich set of commands for manipulating individual bits. Bit commands make it possible to control discrete equipment (raise/lower a barrier, turn on/off a lamp, heater, start/stop an engine, open/close a valve, etc.) Means that provide the ability to operate individual bits, input and output discrete signals are called “bit commands” processor."

Another main difference between a microcontroller and a microprocessor is that the controller chip contains all the necessary elements to build a simple (and sometimes quite complex) control system. So, inside the microcontroller there is data memory (RAM), program memory (read-only memory), clock generator, timers, counters, parallel and serial ports. Therefore, a minimal configuration system based on a microcontroller can consist of a power supply, a controller chip itself and several passive elements (resistors, capacitors and a quartz resonator). And this is actually nothing more than a single-board mini-computer based on a single chip, suitable for embedding into a control object. The average cost of a minimally configured system is several tens of dollars (compare with the average cost of a personal computer).

A typical microcontroller architecture (Fig. 4) contains a synchronization and control system (1), an arithmetic-logical unit (2), general-purpose registers (3), data memory (4) and program memory (5), ports (6), functional devices (timers, counters, pulse-width modulators, interfaces) and registers for setting them up (7), fig. 4.

Rice. 4. Architecture of a typical microcontroller.

Programs for microcontrollers are created in special integrated tool environments ( English.: I integrated D development E nvironment, IDE) Assembly languages ​​(machine instructions) or C++.

It remains to be added that billions of microcontrollers are sold around the world every year, and the average resident of a developed country comes into contact with microcontrollers dozens of times during the day, which are an integral part of the modern technological environment.

In addition to general-purpose microprocessors and microcontrollers, the market offers so-called signal processors specifically designed for processing signals in real time. They are used in measuring instruments, communications, transmission and playback of audio and video streams, location systems, space and military equipment.

Signal processors (English.: D digital S ignal P rocessor, DSP) are characterized by high bit depth and performance, and have special instructions in the command system for implementing standard digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. Also on one chip, in addition to the processor part itself, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters are implemented. A tax C digital P A converter (ADC) replaces the continuous input signal with a corresponding stream of digital data (samples). Next, this data is processed by the processor part, after which, using C ifro- A tax P Converter (DAC) converts the processed digital data back into an analog signal. In this way, the signal processor can deepen the clarity of the image, or, conversely, blur it, encrypt and decrypt audio and video streams, reproduce virtual or augmented reality on the screen, track moving objects even in conditions of significant interference and incomplete input information.

General purpose microprocessors	Microcontrollers	Signal processors	Other (neurochips, sectional and hybrid processors)
Applicable: for building personal computers, servers and multiprocessor systems.	Applicable: for the implementation of simple control and automation functions.	Applicable: to implement complex algorithms for streaming data processing in real time.	Applicable: to build unique experimental or specific systems.
Peculiarities: high bit depth, universal architecture.	Peculiarities: built-in program memory and data memory, bit processor, timers, counters, ports, interfaces.	Peculiarities: high computing performance, commands for implementing standard signal processing algorithms, built-in ADC, DAC or media interfaces.	Peculiarities: building one processor on several chips, a combination of several types of processors in one product, specific architecture

Another type of microprocessor devices that have occupied their market niche over the past 30–40 years is the so-called programmable logic controllers.

P programmable L ogical TO controller(PLC; English.: P rogrammable L ogic C ontroller or PLC) is a specialized microprocessor system that is used to automate technological processes and general industrial installations and complexes (conveyors, roller tables, cranes, crushers, mills, classifiers, mixers, presses, packaging machines, robotic and flexible production complexes, etc. . P.)

That is, the main area of ​​application of PLC is the field of industrial production. However, they are also used for building automation (control of access to premises, control of lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, control of elevators, escalators, etc.) PLCs can also be used to create a microclimate in greenhouses, poultry farms, and livestock farms.

In general, a PLC is a single-board mini-computer built on the basis of a single-chip microcontroller and housed in a standard brick-sized case. There are also modular controllers (Fig. 5). PLC inputs can be connected to buttons, joystick contacts, switches (i.e. controls), sensors and actuators (motors, lamps, heating elements, valves, valves, actuators, etc.) The PLC cyclically polls input signals (controls) controls and sensors), executes the user program (recalculates the values ​​of variables) and issues the resulting output values ​​to the actuators. That is, the PLC cyclically executes the same program (user program) over and over again.

Rice. 5. Programmable logic controllers.

In addition to hardware unification (use of standard sizes, voltage levels, types of signals), the breakthrough spread of PLCs was facilitated by the fact that intuitive “general engineering” programming languages ​​were developed for them. Now, to develop a user program, it is not necessary to invite a high-class programmer. A technologist, an electrician, a chemist, and, of course, an automation specialist can handle this (sometimes better). And in the case of complex problems, these programming languages ​​blur the line of misunderstanding between the programmer and the engineer. They are equally understandable to both the customer (engineer) and the performer (programmer).

There are 6 such programming languages ​​(5 standardized), and 4 of them are visual (that is, the program is entered not in the form of text, but as a set of graphic elements (blocks) connected to each other (Fig. 6).

Usually the same controller can be programmed in several languages ​​of the user's choice. To do this, they use instrumental software systems that allow not only to develop a program, but also to debug it using a program model of the controller (on a “simulator”) or in monitoring mode (when the user program is executed by a real controller, and you can monitor its operation on the computer display) .

Hardware and software unification of the PLC makes it possible to easily switch to controllers from another manufacturer and transfer programs from one platform to another. This increases the flexibility of automation systems and promotes competitive innovative development of the market.

You can study in detail the operation of microprocessor systems, learn how to develop and program applied mini-computers and programmable logic controllers for automation tasks at the National Mining University.

When you start learning about microprocessors and microcontrollers, the first question you might have is “hey...what's the difference between them?” This article will outline the main similarities and differences between microcontrollers and microprocessors. Essentially, this will be a simple comparison of both microcomputing devices.

The main purpose of microprocessors and microcontrollers is to perform certain operations - fetching instructions (or commands) from memory, executing these instructions (performing arithmetic, logical operations) and outputting the result to output devices. Both devices are capable of continuously selecting commands from memory and continuing to execute those commands until the power is turned off. Commands are a set of bits. These instructions are always retrieved from a storage area called memory. Now let's take a look at the block diagrams of a microprocessor system and a microcontroller system.

If you look closely at this block diagram, you can see that the microprocessor has many auxiliary devices, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), serial interfaces, timers, input/output ports, etc. All these devices interact with the microprocessor via the system bus. That is, all auxiliary devices in the microprocessor system are external. The system bus consists of an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus.

This block diagram shows a microcontroller system. So what's the main difference we see? All auxiliary devices such as ROM, RAM, serial interface, I/O ports are internal. In this case, there is no need to pair these devices, this approach can save a lot of time for system developers. That is, a microcontroller is nothing more than a microprocessor system with all the auxiliary devices inside one chip. There is no mandatory external interaction required here, unless you need to work with external memory, ADC/DAC modules and other similar devices. To ensure the operation of the microcontroller, you only need to supply a DC supply voltage to it, connect a reset circuit and, if necessary, a quartz oscillator for clocking.

So now we understand the basic differences between microcontrollers and microprocessors. Now let's compare some features of both systems.

Comparison

As you already know, auxiliary devices in a microprocessor system are external, and in a microcontroller system they are internal. Microcontrollers provide code protection while a microprocessor system does not offer any protection system. That is, in microcontrollers it is possible to “lock” the internal program memory to prevent it from being read by external circuitry. Okay, but these are just the main differences, you will discover more as you work with these devices. For example, since a microprocessor system requires external communication with auxiliary devices, the circuit creation time will be longer, the device size will be larger, and the power consumption will also increase compared to a microcontroller system.

It's amazing how a small piece of technology has changed the face of personal computing. From the first commercial microprocessor (4-bit 4004), which was developed by Intel in 1971 for the more advanced and versatile 64-bit Itanium 2, microprocessor technology has moved into the entirely new realm of next-generation architecture. Advances in microprocessor technology have made personal computing faster and more reliable than ever before. If the microprocessor is the heart of a computer system, the microcontroller is the brain. Both microprocessor and microcontroller are often used synonymously with each other due to the fact that they share common features and are specifically designed for real-time applications. However, they have their share of differences.

What is a microprocessor?

A microprocessor is an integrated silicon-based chip that only has a central processing unit. It is the heart of a computer system, which is designed to perform many data-related tasks. Microprocessors do not have RAM, ROM, IO pins, timers or other peripherals on the chip. They must be added externally to make them functional. It consists of an ALU, which handles all arithmetic and logical operations; a control unit that manages and controls the flow of instructions throughout the system; and Register Array, which stores data from memory for quick access. They are intended for general purpose applications such as logical operations in a computer system. Simply put, it is a fully functional processor on a single integrated circuit that is used by a computer system to do its job.

What is a microcontroller?

A microcontroller is like a mini-computer with a processor, as well as RAM, ROM, serial ports, timers, and I/O peripherals, all built into a single chip. It is designed to perform specific tasks that require a certain degree of control, such as TV remote control, LED display panel, smart clocks, vehicles, traffic light control, temperature control, etc. It is a high quality device with microprocessor, memory and I/O ports on one chip. These are the brains of a computer system and contain enough circuitry to perform certain functions without external memory. Since there are no external components, the power consumption is less, making it ideal for battery-powered devices. Simple talk, a microcontroller is a complete computer system with less external hardware.

Difference between microprocessor and microcontroller

1) Technology used in microprocessor and microcontroller

A microprocessor is a programmable multi-purpose silicon chip that is the most important component in a computer system. It is like the heart of a computer system, consisting of an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit), a control unit, instruction decoders and an array of registers. A microcontroller, on the other hand, is the heart of an embedded system, which is a by-product of microprocessor technology.

2) Microprocessor and microcontroller architecture

A microprocessor is simply an integrated circuit with no RAM, ROM, or I/O pins. It basically refers to the central processing unit of a computer system, which retrieves, interprets and executes commands given to it. It incorporates the functions of the CPU into a single integrated circuit. Microcontrollers, on the other hand, are more powerful devices that contain microprocessor circuitry and have RAM, IO, and processor in a single chip.

3) Operation of the microprocessor and microcontroller

The microprocessor requires an external bus to connect to peripherals such as RAM, ROM, Analog and Digital IO, as well as serial ports. The ALU performs all arithmetic and logical operations coming from memory or input devices and executes the results on output devices. A microcontroller is a small device with all the peripherals built into a single chip and is designed to perform specific tasks such as running programs to control other devices.

4) Data memory in the microprocessor and microcontroller

The data memory is part of the PIC, which contains special function registers and general purpose registers. It stores data temporarily and stores intermediate results. Microprocessors execute multiple instructions that are stored in memory and send the results to the output. Microcontrollers contain one or more processors along with RAM and other peripherals. The CPU fetches instructions from memory and executes the results.

5) Storage in microprocessor and microcontroller

Microprocessors are based on von Neumann architecture (also known as von Neumann model and Princeton architecture), in which a control unit receives instructions by assigning control signals to hardware and decodes them. The idea is to store instructions in memory along with the data on which the instructions operate. Microcontrollers, on the other hand, are based on Harvard architecture, where instructions and program data are stored separately.

6) Microprocessor and microcontroller applications

Microprocessors are a single chip mass memory device and are embedded in several applications such as BOM control, traffic light control, temperature control, test instruments, real time monitoring system and many more. Microcontrollers are mainly used in electrical and electronic circuits and devices with automatic control, such as high quality medical instruments, automobile engine control systems, solar chargers, gaming machine, traffic light control, industrial control devices, etc.

Microprocessor vs Microcontroller: Comparison Chart

Summary of Microprocessor and Microcontroller

The key difference between these terms is the presence of peripherals. Unlike microcontrollers, microprocessors do not have built-in memory, ROM, serial ports, timers, or other peripherals that make up the system. An external bus is required to communicate with peripheral devices. On the other hand, a microcontroller has all the peripherals such as CPU, RAM, ROM and IO built into a single chip. It has an internal control bus that is not accessible to the designer. Since all components are packaged into a single chip, it is compact, making it ideal for large-scale industrial applications. The microprocessor is the heart of the computer system, and the microcontroller is the brain.

Key Difference: The difference between a microprocessor and a microcontroller is the presence of RAM, ROM and other peripherals in the microcontroller. A microprocessor contains only the processor and has no other components.

Microprocessor and microcontroller are both the main processors used to operate computers. The functions of both processors are the same. The main difference between the two is that microprocessors perform different functions, whereas microcontrollers are small computers designed for specific tasks. This article helps you find more differences between the two processors.

Microprocessors are usually called the central processing unit or microcomputer processor. It is said to be the heart and brain of a computerized machine.

A microprocessor is needed to perform many tasks. It is a small computer that is used to perform arithmetic and logical operations such as system control, data storage, etc. The microprocessor processes the input or output data of peripheral devices and gives a function to return the results. The first commercial microprocessor was released by Intel in November 1971 and was called the 4004; it was a 4-bit microprocessor.

The operations performed by the microprocessor are general in purpose. Therefore, it is considered necessary to perform any logical operations on a computerized machine. Microprocessors are configured on chips; it is made of miniature transistors and some other circuit elements on a single semiconductor IC to perform its tasks in a computer. It is abbreviated as "µP" or "uP". There are five main types of processors:

• Comprehensive microprocessor instruction set
• Microprocessors with reduced instruction set
• Superscalar processors
• Application Specific Integrated Circuit
• Digital Signal Multiprocessors

A microcontroller is an embedded computer optimized for controlling electrical devices. It is a device that includes a microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices on a single chip. It is said to be the heart of an embedded system.

Microcontrollers are specific in nature to the task they are required to perform. It has a microprocessor on its board to perform all the logical operations of the gadget. Once the microcontroller is programmed, it can operate on its own with a stored set of instructions and can perform operations or tasks as needed. It is intended to be self-sufficient and profitable. In addition, the microcontroller represents a set of fractions in the system, which is fundamental to the packaging of the printed circuit board. A "fixed computer system" is designed to perform one or more functions over and over again in real time. This system is built into the hardware and motorized elements of a computerized machine.

Microcontrollers are designed to perform specific operations that help control specific systems. It is abbreviated as "uC", "µC" or "MCU".

Microcontrollers are like a small computer in which the CPU, memory unit like RAM and ROM, I/O peripherals, timers, counters are built into one integrated circuit i.e. IC. They easily connect to external peripherals such as serial ports, ADC, DAC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. Here the pairing process is faster as compared to microprocessor pairing. In most cases, microcontrollers use RISC or CISM architecture to perform tasks on different machines. Different types of microcontrollers:

• 8-bit microcontroller
• 16-bit microcontroller
• 32-bit microcontroller
• Built-in microcontroller
• Built-in microcontroller

Comparison between microprocessor and microcontroller: