Difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller
A microcontroller (sometimes abbreviated µC, uC or MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals.
| Microprocessor | Microcontroller |
|---|---|
| Microprocessor IC has a CPU and may also have some other units like cache, floating point processing unit. | Microcontroller IC has a CPU, Memory and Peripherals. |
| Microprocessor does not have RAM, ROM, and other peripheral on the chip. It can interface to external Memory and peripherals. | Microcontroller has on-chip RAM & ROM memory and functional units like interrupt handler, Serial port, io ports, timer, ADC and PWM. |
| Microprocessor is used when large embedded software is to be located in the external memory | Microcontroller is used when a small or part of the embedded software has to be located in internal memory. |
| Microprocessor will not be up and running as quickly as program and data are stored in external memory. | Microcontroller has a very short start-up period and can be executing code very quickly as program and data memories are internal. |
| Microprocessor has high computational capabilities. | Microcontroller has limited computational capabilities. |
| Microprocessor input-output capabilities depend on external factors. | Microcontroller has enhanced input-output capabilities on a chip |
| Microprocessor are used to execute big and generic applications | Microcontroller will only be used to execute application specific dedicated tasks. |
| Microprocessor supports more op-codes, few bit handling instructions | Microcontroller supports fewer op- codes, more bit handling Instructions |
| Microprocessor is like brain. | Microcontroller is like entire body |
| Microprocessor is one component of the microcomputer | Microcontroller is a microcomputer |
| Microprocessor increases the cost of the product. | Microcontroller based products are cheaper. |
| Microprocessor based products consume more power. | Microcontroller based products consume less power. |
| Microprocessor is used in General purpose systems. | Microcontroller is used in automatically controlled device. |
| Microprocessor based system can perform numerous tasks. | Microcontroller based system can perform single or very few tasks. |
| Operating clock frequency is high. Usually Mhz to Ghz | Operating clock frequency is low. Usually Mhz |
| Microprocessor have Math coprocessor to perform complex mathematical calculations | Software libraries has to be used to perform complex mathematical calculations |
| The prime use of microprocessor is to perform instruction cycle repeatedly | In addition to instruction cycle, microcontroller also controls it environment based on output of instruction cycle. |
| Have more operation codes (opcodes) | Have few operation codes (opcodes) |
| Have few bit manipulation instructions | Have numerous bit manipulation instructions |
| Instruction throughput is given higher priority that interrupt latency | Microcontrollers are designed to optimize interrupt latency |
| Not suitable for real time systems | Preferred for real time systems |
| Used in Personal computers | Used in Embedded Systems |
Related topics:
Computer Internals | Microprocessor | Microcontroller | Microcontroller and Embedded Systems | Choosing a Microcontroller
List of topics: Microcomputer
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