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Unit 1 Notes

Notes for unit 1

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esinako339
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The Microprocessor and Computer

Key Differences between Microprocessors and

Microcontrollers

Microprocessor consists of only a Central Processing Unit,

whereas Micro Controller contains a CPU, Memory, I/O all

integrated into one chip.

Microprocessor is used in Personal Computers whereas Micro

Controller is used in an embedded system.

Microprocessor uses an external bus to interface to RAM,

ROM, and other peripherals, on the other hand, Microcontroller

uses an internal controlling bus.

Microprocessors are based on Von Neumann model Micro

controllers are based on Harvard architecture

Microprocessor is complicated and expensive, with a large

number of instructions to process but Microcontroller is

inexpensive and straightforward with fewer instructions to

process.

https://www.guru99.com/difference

between microprocessor and microcontroller.html


Microprocessor Families
Microprocessor

Types of Microprocessor

Microprocessor
There are three types of microprocessors namely, CISC, RISC, and
EPIC. Before learning about them. Let us understand what is a
microprocessor.

A microprocessor is basically the brain of the computer. We can also


call it simply a processor or CPU. Furthermore, a microprocessor is
basically a computer processor that is mounted on a single IC
(Integrated Circuit). It means that all the functions of the processor are
included on a single chip. Furthermore, the basic task of a
microprocessor is to input the instructions from the memory, decode,
and process them and produce the output. It performs three basic tasks
while processing the information.

CISC, RISC, and EPIC


We have three basic types of microprocessors. They are as follows:

1. CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer)


As the name suggests, the instructions are in a complex form. It means
that a single instruction can contain many low-level instructions. For
example loading data from memory, storing data to the memory,
performing basic operations, etc. Besides, we can say that a single
instruction has multiple addressing modes. Furthermore, as there are
many operations in single instruction they use very few registers.
Examples of CISC are Intel 386, Intel 486, Pentium, Pentium Pro,
Pentium II, etc.

2. RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)


As per the name, in this, the instructions are quite simple, and hence,
they execute quickly. Moreover, the instructions get complete in one
clock cycle and also use a few addressing modes only. Besides, it makes
use of multiple registers so that interaction with memory is less.

Examples are IBM RS6000, DEC Alpha 21064, DEC Alpha 21164, etc.

3. EPIC (Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing)


It allows the instructions to compute parallelly by making use of
compilers. Moreover, the complex instructions also process in fewer
clock frequencies. Furthermore, it encodes the instructions in 128-bit
bundles. Where each bundle contains three instructions encoded in 41
bits each and a 5-bit template. This 5-bit template contains information
about the type of instructions and that which instructions can be
executed in parallel.

Examples are IA-64 (Intel Architecture-64), etc.

Browse more Topics under Microprocessor

• Basic Concepts of Microprocessor


• Clock Speed
Characteristics of CISC, RISC
Characteristics of CISC are as follows:
• As the instructions are complex hence, the decoding of
instructions is also complex.
• The size of instructions is greater than the one-word size.
• Instruction can take more than one clock cycle to execute.
• The number of registers is less since most of the operations are
performed in memory itself.
• The address modes are also complex.
• Data types are more in number.
Characteristics of RISC are as follows:

• As the instruction is simple hence, the decoding of instructions


is also simple.
• The size of instructions is under the one-word size.
• Instruction takes one clock cycle to execute.
• The number of registers is more.
• The address modes are also simple.
• Data types are less in number.
• Can be used for pipelining.
Advantages of CISC, RISC
Advantages of CISC are as follows:

• Microprogramming in CISC is as easy as the assembly language


implementation.
• The number of instructions for performing operations is less in
number. Hence, the memory usage is low. Moreover, time
consumption is also less.
Advantages of RISC are as follows:

• Instructions are simple hence easy to understand and decode.


• The instructions complete in one clock cycle therefore, CPU
can handle multiple instructions at a time.
• Designing the RISC processors is easier in comparison to the
CISC processors.
Differences Between CISC and RISC
The differences between CISC and RISC are as follows:

RISC CISC

• It focuses on the
• It focuses on the hardware.
software.

• It uses a hardwired as well


• Uses the hardwired
as a microprogrammed
control unit.
control unit.

• Transistors are used for


• Uses transistors for more
storing the complex
registers.
instructions.
• The instructions have a • The size of instructions
fixed size. vary.

• Besides the register to


• It performs only register register operations, it can
to register arithmetic also perform register to
operations. memory or memory to
register operations.

• It requires more number of


• Fewer registers are used.
registers.

• As the instructions are • Multiple operations are


individual the code is present in single instruction
large. hence, the code is small.

• Executes in one clock • Takes more than one clock


cycle. cycle for execution.

• The size of instructions is


• Instructions have a size
greater than the one-word
of one word.
size.

• Examples are IBM • Examples of CISC are Intel


RS6000, DEC Alpha 386, Intel 486, Pentium,
21064, DEC Alpha 21164, Pentium Pro, Pentium II,
etc. etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is a microprocessor?

A1. A microprocessor is basically a computer processor that is mounted


on a single IC (Integrated Circuit). It means that all the functions of the
processor are included on a single chip.

Q2. What are the types of microprocessors?

A2. It has basically three types, they are as follows:

• CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer)


• RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)
• EPIC (Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing)
Q3. Give examples of CISC, RISC, and EPIC.

A3. Examples of:

• CISC are Intel 386, Intel 486, Pentium, Pentium Pro, Pentium II,
etc.
• RISC are IBM RS6000, DEC Alpha 21064, DEC Alpha 21164, etc.
• EPIC is IA-64 (Intel Architecture-64), etc.

https://www.toppr.com/guides/computer-science/computer-fundamentals/microprocessor/types-of-
microprocessor/
The Microprocessor Operation

Microprocessor performs three basic things while executing the instruction: It performs some
basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and some logical
operations using its Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU). New Microprocessors also perform
operations on floating-point numbers also.

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