The term microprocessor and microcontroller have always been confused with each other. Both have been designed for real-time applications. They share many common characteristics and at the same time they have significant differences. Both IC, that is, the microprocessor and the microcontroller can not be distinguished by observing them. They are available in different versions from 6 pins to 80 to 100 pins or even more, depending on the features.
Difference between microprocessor and microcontroller
The microprocessor is a CI that has only the CPU inside them, that is, only the processing capabilities, such as Pentium 1,2,3,4 from Intel, core 2 duo, i3, i5, etc. These microprocessors do not have RAM, ROM or other peripherals. on the chip. A systems designer has to add them externally to be functional. The microprocessor application includes desktop PCs, laptops, notebooks, etc.
But this is not the case with microcontrollers. The microcontroller has a CPU, in addition to a fixed amount of RAM, ROM and other peripherals integrated in a single chip. Sometimes it is also called a mini computer or a computer on a single chip. Today, different manufacturers produce microcontrollers with a wide range of features available in different versions. Some manufacturers are ATMEL, Microchip, IT, Freescale, Philips, Motorola, etc.
The microcontrollers are designed to perform specific tasks. Specific media applications where the input and output relationship is defined. Depending on the entry, some processing must be done and the output is delivered. For example, keyboards, mouse, washing machine, camera, pendrive, remote control, microwave, cars, bicycles, phones, mobile phones, watches, etc. Since the applications are very specific, they need small resources such as RAM, ROM, I / O ports etc. and, therefore, can be integrated into a single chip. This in turn reduces the size and cost.
The microprocessor finds applications where tasks are nonspecific, such as software development, games, websites, photo editing, document creation, etc. In such cases, the relationship between input and output is not defined. They need a lot of resources like RAM, ROM, I / O ports, etc.
The clock speed of the microprocessor is quite high compared to the microcontroller. While microcontrollers operate from a few MHz at 30 to 50 MHz, the current microprocessor operates at more than 1 GHz as they perform complex tasks. Read more about what is microcontroller.
Comparing the microcontroller and the microprocessor in terms of cost is not justified. Undoubtedly, a microcontroller is much cheaper than a microprocessor. However, the microcontroller can not be used in place of the microprocessor and it is not recommended to use a microprocessor instead of a microcontroller, since it makes the application quite expensive. The microprocessor can not be used alone. They need other peripherals such as RAM, ROM, buffer, I / O ports, etc. and, therefore, a system designed around a microprocessor is quite expensive.
