Skip to main content

The Brain within an Embedded System-Difference between Microprocessors and Microcontrollers



To understand the working of an Integrated Circuit, we need to first understand what an Embedded System is. 

It is basically a conjunction of Hardware and Software parts. Embedded System is a stripped-down version of a mainstream computer, specializing in a single task. They are connected either as a standalone device, or as part of a larger electrical or mechanical system.

Mainly in consumer electronics like fridges or microwaves, they have low power rating and, is economical to build.

Embedded system performs complex mathematical calculations at any specific time. This is done thru a Central Processing Unit (CPU), mostly a Microcontroller or at times, a Microprocessor.


A Sensor is used to collect data from the external environment Eg: Temperature, atmospheric pressure etc. This is then fed into an Analog to Digital (ADC) converter. The digital signal thus obtained is stored in memory and, decoded by the CPU. 

The output of the operation is then fed to a Digital to Analog (DAC) converter. The resulting analog signal is send to an Actuator, which converts electrical signal into mechanical or pneumatic action Eg: Motor or Hydraulic press. 





So, what is the basic difference between these two Integrated Circuits. 

Microcontrollers are basically small computers with a Central Processing Unit (CPU), inbuilt memory (RAM, ROM), output peripherals and BUS connections. They specialize in a single task. The working clock speed is low, in MHz. They have different programming languages which varies with manufacturers. Low cost and reduced power consumption are the main highlights. Espressif ESP32 is a notable example.

Microprocessors are basically a digital system that assimilate data, decode and then, execute them. They are mainly used for general purpose computing and, performs multiple tasks at any given time. However, they need to be connected to external memory, provide separate peripheral boards, and BUS configuration. Consuming more power, their clock speed is calculated in GHz. Examples include Pentium and AMD processors.

Even though embedded systems mainly use microcontrollers, there are certain areas where both are used in conjunction.

The usage of the above, depends on the type of application. Where low power and high integration is concerned, Microcontrollers is a prime choice. However, when dealing with multiple tasks and complex calculations Eg: laptops and computers, Microprocessor reigns supreme.


Helpful Links

Embedded System Definition

https://www.ibm.com/blog/microcontroller-vs-microprocessor/


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Man In The Middle Attack - EavesDropping in the Digital World

    This is a term used to describe a cyber attack where a hacker acts as middleman, during data transfer between user and an application. The app can be a financial or an E commerce website, Software as a Service (SaaS) etc. The hacker can intercept data passed via the browser to the website, and collect sensitive information such as account and credit card details, user login etc. To put it into context, it is like a postman who reads all the letters addressed to you, then reseals the same, on delivery. This way no one suspects a foul play.   Interception This is the first phase of the attack. Here the hacker establishes a connection with the target device whether a PC, Laptop or Smart phone. This is done   through various methods   like   Free WiFi  : Here a WiFi hot spot is set up  which is not password protected. When a user logs in to the network, they are in essence connecting to the hacker's system. Now any data transfer occurs via this co...
Post a Comment
Read more

X86 vs ARM - The PC War

X86 Vs ARM A Hype?  Recently laptops powered by ARM processors have taken industry by storm. Touted as being highly power efficient, providing 18 hours backup, on as single charge. That too while running multiple program instances. Would this spell an end to the x86 architecture, where Intel and AMD rule. Or will the tables turn around? What's the Difference? Let's start with an x86 based CPU. They feature a single processing unit which can be integrated to other external peripherals like Memory, GPU etc. Here each peripheral has a separate controller, knitted together by address and data BUS. When we look at ARM all the above components (Memory, GPU) are integrated within the main chip. Known commonly as SOC (System on a Chip) . This helps in reduced footprint. But they do come with a drawback. Cannot expand by adding extra peripherals. Coming to complexity, x86 provides a simpler set up, at least for a developer. Here most of the core tasks such as Memory Read/Write, Arithmet...
Post a Comment
Read more