MICROPROCESSORS AND MICROCONTROLLERS

Both microprocessors and microcontrollers are types of electronic devices that come in the
form of integrated circuits (ICs) and are used in different modern electronic equipment such
as computers, laptops, washing machines, air conditioners, and many other automated
electronic gadgets. The primary function of both microprocessors and microcontrollers is to
automate the processes.

What is a Microprocessor?

As its name implies, it is a processing device that converts data into information based on
some sets of instructions. It is a very compact electronic chip due to which it is referred to as
the microprocessor.
In other words, a processing device implemented on a single chip is called a microprocessor.
A microprocessor is the most crucial component of a computer or any other computing device.
Because it is entirely responsible for processing data based on instructions to produce
information.
In microcomputers, the microprocessor is used as the CPU (Central Processing Unit). A typical
microprocessor consists of two major parts namely ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU
(Control Unit). Intel 8085 or 8086 processing chips are the examples of microprocessors.
Modern microprocessors consist of a small memory unit (cache memory) in addition to the
ALU and CU. Now−a−days, microprocessors are being widely used in several applications
such as desktop publishing, power plant control, multi meters, medical instruments, etc.

What is a Microcontroller?

A microcontroller is an electronic system which consists of a processing element, a small

memory (RAM, ROM, EPROM), I/O ports, etc. on a single chip. Therefore, a microcontroller
is a tiny resemblance of a microcomputer. It is a quite small and low−cost electronic device
which is used in several electronic appliances as the main functioning device.
In electronic systems such washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.,
microcontrollers are used to automate the operation of the device based on user’s instructions.
Hence, a microcontroller is the backbone of all embedded systems like microwave oven,
washing machine, smart refrigerators, etc.
Microprocessors find their application in light sensing and controlling devices, temperature
sensing and controlling devices, fire detection and other safety devices, smart measuring
instruments, etc.

Difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller

The following table highlights all the important differences between microprocessors and
microcontrollers −
 Parameter Microprocessor Microcontroller

Microprocessors can be understood Microcontrollers can be understood

Definition as the heart of a computer system. as the heart of an embedded system.

A microprocessor is a processor A microcontroller is a controlling

where the memory and I/O device wherein the memory and I/O
What is it?
component are connected output component are present
externally. internally.

Circuit The circuit is complex due to Microcontrollers are present on chip

complexity external connection. memory. The circuit is less complex.

Memory and I/O The memory and I/O components The memory and I/O components are
components are to be connected externally. available.

Compact system Microprocessors can’t be used in Microcontrollers can be used with a

compatibility compact system. compact system.

Microprocessors have less number Microcontrollers have a greater

Number of
of registers. Therefore, most of the number of registers. Therefore, a
registers
operations are memory based. program is easier to write.

Microprocessors are generally used Microcontrollers are generally used

Applications in personal computers. in washing machines, and air
conditioners.
A microprocessor is an electronic component that acts as a processing device in various
computing systems such as computers, laptops, smartphones, etc. On the other hand, a
microcontroller is a small microcomputer acts as a controlling device in different embedded
systems such as washing machines, microwave ovens, etc.