Difference Between Microcontroller and Microprocessor
Microprocessor vs Microcontroller
| Microprocessor | Microcontroller |
|---|---|
| A Microprocessor only has a CPU. | A microcontroller has a CPU, memory, and input/output (I/O) all built into one chip. |
| A Microprocessor is used in Personal Computers. | A Microcontroller is used in an embedded system. |
| The microprocessor uses an external bus to interface to RAM, ROM, and other peripherals | The microcontroller uses an internal controlling bus. |
| Microprocessors are based on Von Neumann model. | Microcontrollers are based on Harvard architecture. |
| A microprocessor is complicated and expensive, with a large number of instructions to process. | A microcontroller is inexpensive and straightforward with fewer instructions to process. |
What is a Microprocessor?
A microprocessor is the part of a microcomputer that controls how it works. It is a small chip. It works with the Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU) and talks to the other connected devices. It is a single Integrated Circuit that can do more than one thing.
What is a Microcontroller?
A chip designed to control electronic devices is called a microcontroller. It is kept in a single integrated circuit that is designed to do a specific job and run a specific program.
It is made up of circuits that are made specifically for embedded applications and are used in many electronic devices that control themselves. It has memory, a processor, and I/O that can be programmed.
Types of Microprocessor
Types of Microcontroller
Difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller
Here's what makes a difference between Microprocessor vs Microcontroller.
| Microprocessor | Microcontroller |
|---|---|
| A microprocessor is the heart of the Computer system. | A microcontroller is the heart of an embedded system. |
| It is only a processor, so memory and I/O components need to be connected externally | Micro Controller has a processor along with internal memory and I/O components. |
| Memory and I/O has to be connected externally, so the circuit becomes large. | Memory and I/O are already present, and the internal circuit is small. |
| You can’t use it in compact systems | You can use it in compact systems. |
| Cost of the entire system is high | Cost of the entire system is low |
| Due to external components, the total power consumption is high. Therefore, it is not ideal for the devices running on stored power like batteries. | As external components are low, total power consumption is less. So it can be used with devices running on stored power like batteries. |
| Most of the microprocessors do not have power saving features. | Most of the microcontrollers offer power-saving mode. |
| It is mainly used in personal computers. | It is used mainly in a washing machine, MP3 players, and embedded systems. |
| Microprocessor has a smaller number of registers, so more operations are memory-based. | Microcontroller has more register. Hence the programs are easier to write. |
| Microprocessors are based on Von Neumann model | Micro controllers are based on Harvard architecture |
| It is a central processing unit on a single silicon-based integrated chip. | It is a byproduct of the development of microprocessors with a CPU along with other peripherals. |
| It has no RAM, ROM, Input-Output units, timers, and other peripherals on the chip. | It has a CPU along with RAM, ROM, and other peripherals embedded on a single chip. |
| It uses an external bus to interface to RAM, ROM, and other peripherals. | It uses an internal controlling bus. |
| Microprocessor-based systems can run at a very high speed because of the technology involved. | Microcontroller based systems run up to 200MHz or more depending on the architecture. |
| It’s used for general purpose Applications that allow you to handle loads of data. | It’s used for application-specific systems. |
| It’s complex and expensive, with a large number of instructions to process. | It’s simple and inexpensive with less number of instructions to process. |
Features of Microprocessor
Here are some important features of Microprocessor:
Features of Microcontroller
Here are some important features of Microcontroller:
Applications of Microprocessor
Microprocessors are mainly used in devices like:
Applications of Microcontroller
Microcontrollers are mainly used in devices like:
What is the Difference between a Microcontroller and Microprocessor?
The main difference between a microprocessor and a microcontroller is that a microprocessor only has a central processing unit, while a microcontroller has a CPU, memory, and input/output all built into one chip. A microcontroller is simple, cheap, and only has a few instructions to follow. A microprocessor, on the other hand, is complicated, expensive, and has a lot of instructions.
Which is Faster Microprocessor or Microcontroller?
Microprocessors work much faster than microcontrollers. A microprocessor's clock speed is faster than 1 GHz. While the clock speed of a microcontroller is 200MHz or more, depending on how it is built.
Which is Better Microcontroller or Microprocessor?
Both of these things work well. But which one you should use will depend on what you need. Microcontrollers are mostly used for small things like washing machines, cameras, security alarms, keyboard controllers, etc. A microprocessor, on the other hand, is used in things like personal computers, complex industrial controllers, traffic lights, defense systems, etc.
