Tag: Microprocessors
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4 Types of Processor Architectures
Processor architecture can be classified as one of the following four architectures: Accumulator-Based Processor Architecture In the accumulator-based processor architecture, illustrated above, instructions begin and end in accumulators (Acc A and Acc B), which are specially designated registers. In a typical operation, one of the operands is found in the accumulator and the other is…
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Basic Architecture of a Microprocessor
The microprocessor is typically referred to as the central processing unit (CPU). It is the part of the processor system which processes the data, fetching instructions from memory, decoding them and executing them. The internal structure (architecture) – depends on the microprocessor concerned. The figure below illustrates a general architecture of a microprocessor: The following…
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How Special Function Registers (SFRs) are Mapped into Memory Space
There are two basic primary architectures used for mapping special function registers into memory space. In the first type of arrangement, I/O space and memory space are separated as illustrated in Figure 1.0. The I/O devices have a separate address space, which is accomplished by either an extra I/O pin on the CPU physical interface…
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Basic Features of a Microprocessor-Based System
The microprocessor is the heart of a microcomputer system and can be described as a programmable device that accepts binary data from an input device; then processes the data according to the instructions stored in the memory and provides results as output. That is to say, the microprocessor executes the program stored in the memory…
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CPU Registers
A register is basically an n-bit binary storage element. CPU registers are usually used to temporarily hold data and memory address values that might be required in the near future. Since registers are located within the CPU, they can be accessed more quickly and more efficiently than external memory. Furthermore, since the number of registers…
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How Microprocessors differs from Microcontrollers
In terms of functionality, for the microprocessor to be used, other components such as memory or components that provide I/O capability, that is, components for receiving and sending data must be added to it. On the other hand, the microcontroller is designed in such a way to incorporate all the necessary components in one chip.…
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Polling and Interrupts in Microcontrollers
Consider a state where all input/output transfers of data are controlled by the program. When peripherals require attention, they signal the microprocessor by changing the voltage level of an input line. The microprocessor can then respond by jumping to a program service routine for the device. On completion of the routine, a return to the…
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Microcontroller Architectures
Two types of architectures are standard in microcontrollers, that is, Von Neumann and Harvard architectures. Von Neumann Architecture Von Neumann architecture is used by a large percentage of microcontrollers. It places all memory space on the same bus; instruction and data also use the same bus. Harvard Architecture Harvard architecture (utilized by PIC microcontrollers) places…
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What is a Microcontroller?
A microcontroller is a single-chip computer, that is, the entire computer system lies within the confines of the integrated circuit (IC) chip. The microcontroller on the encapsulated sliver of silicon has features similar to those of a standard personal computer. Basically, the microcontroller is capable of storing and running a program. The microcontroller contains a…