Embedded Processor vs. Embedded Microcontroller

An embedded processor is a processor with special features that allow it to embed multiple processes into the system. Applications like real time image processing and aerodynamics require fast, precise and intensive calculations where fast context switching from one program to another is vital. Fast context switching means that the calling program or interrupted service routine (CPU) registers save and retrieve fast.

Embedded processor has the following features:

Fast context switching and hence lower latencies of the tasks in complex real time applications.
32-bit RISC core for fast, more precise and intensive calculations by the embedded software.
32-bit or 64-bit atomic addition and multiplication, and no shared data problem in the operations with large operands with each operand placed in two or four registers.

Embedded microcontroller is the term used for specially designed microcontrollers that have the following features:

The microcontroller has internal RAM, large flash or ROM, timer, interrupt handler, internal devices and internal peripherals and there is no external memory or device or peripheral required for the given application.
Fast context switching and hence lower latencies of the tasks in complex real time applications,

We can put all these together and say that, an embedded processor is the term used for processors with fast processing, fast context switching and atomic ALU [Arithmetic Logic Unit] operations whereas an embedded microcontroller is the term used for a microcontroller that has an internal RAM, large flash or ROM, timer, interrupt handler, internal devices and internal peripherals and there is no external memory or device or peripheral needed for the given application.

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John Mulindi

John Mulindi has a background in a technical field and he writes on topics ranging from automation, computer systems, embedded systems, mechatronics to measurement and control.