MICROPROCESSORS

(1971-PRESENT)

The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers

As thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon
chip.

What in the in the first generation filled an entire room, could now
fit in the palm of the hand. The Intel 4004 chip developed in 1971
located all the components of the computer from the central
processing unit and memory to I\O controls
on a single chip.
The fourth generation computers used LSI(Large Scale Integration)
and VLSI ( Very Large Scale Integration) technology. Using LSI and
VLSI technology thousands of transistors are integrated on a small
silicon chip. The fourth generation computers, the semiconductor
memory is replaced by magnetic core memory resulting in fast
random access to memory

Several operating system like MS-DOS and MS windows developed

during this time. The instructions to the computer were written in
high level language instead of machine and assembly language

In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in 1984
APPLE introduced the Macintosh. Microprocessors moved out of the
realm Desktop computers and into many areas of life as more and more
everyday products began to use microprocessors.
 HISTORY
By the late 1960’s designers were striving to integrate the central
processing unit (CPU) functions of a computer onto a handful of
Very-Large-Scale integration metal oxide semiconductor chips called
microprocessors unit (MPU) chip sets

The first use of the term “Microprocessors” is attributed to Viatron

Computer System describing the custom integrated circuit used in
their system. 21 small computer system announced in 1968

Intel introduced the first commercial microprocessor,

the 4-bit Intel 4004 in 1971
followed by its 8-bit microprocessor 8008 in 1972
GENERATION OF MICROPROCESSORS
Generation 1: during (1971 to 1973) the first microprocessor was
released, the Intel 4004 that would run at clock speed of 108 KHz.
During this period the other microprocessors in the market were
in use, but all these were not TTL compatible processors.
Generation 2: during (1973 to 1978 ) 8 bit microprocessor was
implemented, owing to their superfast speed.
Generation 3: during (1979 to 1980) 16 bit microprocessors were
created and designed using HMOS technology, the speed of these
microprocessors was four times better than the 2nd generation.
Generation 4: from (1981 to 1995) this generation developed the 32
bit microprocessors by using HCMOS fabrications.
Generation 5: from 1995 until now this generation was bringing
out high performance and high speed processors that make use of
64-bit processors
Such processors include Pentium, Celeron, Dual and Quad core
processor.
 FUNCTION
A Microprocessor is an electronic component that is used by a
computer to do its work. It is A central processing unit on a single
integrated circuit chip containing millions of very small
components including transistor, resistors, and diodes that work
together
The microprocessor functions through two memories:

The read only memory, or ROM it is a programmed with a fixed set of

instructions and it is programmed with a fixed set of bytes. The ROM
has a small program within it, called the BIOS or the basic input output
system

The other memory is the RAM or random access memory, the number of
bytes in this memory is variable and last for a short term. If power is
switched off the RAM is wiped out.
 ADVANTAGES
• MORE reliable than previous generation of
computers
• Perform calculations in picoseconds
• No air conditioning is required
• Totally general purpose
• All types of high level languages is used for
fourth generation computer
• Fourth generation computers are portable
• Learning high level language is easier than
assembly and machine language
• Microprocessor can quickly move data
between the various memory locations
 DISADVANTAGE

• LATEST TECHNOLOGY WAS REQUIRED

• Most of the microprocessors does not support
floating point operations.
• It should not contact with the other external devices.
• The microprocessor does not have any peripheral
like ROM, RAM, and other I\O devices.
• The main disadvantage it is over heating physically.
 INVENTORS
Marciano Edward Hoff JR AKA: Tedd Hoff
He invented microprocessors along with a handful of
visionary colleagues working at a silicon valley start-up
called Intel.

Federico Faggin
Is an Italian physicist, inventor entrepreneur, widely
known for designing the first commercial microprocessor.
He led the 4004 project and the design group during the
first 5years of microprocessor effort.
Masatoshi Shima
Is a Japanese electronics engineer.
He was one of the designers of the worlds first
microprocessor, the Intel 4004, producing the
initial three-chip CPU design at Busicom in 1968

Stanley Mazor
He is an American microelectronics engineer
He is one of the co-inventors of the worlds first
microprocessors.
CHIPSETS
 QUIZ
1. Give the meaning of ROM?
2. Give the meaning of RAM?
3. Give the names of the inventors of microprocessors
4. -
5. -
6. -
7. Give at least two disadvantages.
8. -
9. Give at least two advantages.
10.-
 TRUE OR FALSE
1. The meaning of RAM is Random access memory.
2. The meaning of ROM is Right only memories.
3. The first use of the term “Microprocessors” is attributed to Viatron
Computer System describing the custom integrated circuit used in
their system.
4. During (1973 to 1978 ) 4 bit microprocessor was implemented, owing
to their superfast speed.

5. Marciano Edward Hoff JR. Is an Italian physicist, inventor

entrepreneur, widely known for designing the first commercial
microprocessor. He led the 4004 project and the design group during
the first 5years of microprocessor effort.