What is an instruction in the context of a Microprocessor?How does a Microprocessor instructions specify data and operation?explain with the help of an example.
Answers
A microprocessor is an integrated circuit (IC) which incorporates core functions of a computer’s central processing unit (CPU). It is a programmable multipurpose silicon chip, clock driven, register based, accepts binary data as input and provides output after processing it as per the instructions stored in the memory.
Microprocessor work :-
A processor is the brain of a computer which basically consists of Arithmetical and Logical Unit (ALU), Control Unit and Register Array. As the name indicates ALU performs all arithmetic and logical operations on the data received from input devices or memory. Register array consists of a series of registers like accumulator (A), B, C, D etc. which acts as temporary fast access memory locations for processing data. As the name indicates, control unit controls the flow of instructions and data throughout the system.
So basically a microprocessor takes input from input devices, process it as per instructions given in the memory and produces output.
Advantages of a Microprocessor :-
Low Cost
Microprocessors are available at low cost due to integrated circuit technology. Which will reduce the cost of a computer system.
High Speed
Microprocessor chips can work at very high speed due to the technology involved in it. It is capable of executing millions of instructions per second.
Small Size
Due to very large scale and ultra large scale integration technology, a microprocessor is fabricated in a very less footprint. This will reduce the size of the entire computer system.
Versatile
Microprocessors are very versatile, the same chip can be used for a number of applications by simply changing the program (instructions stored in the memory).
Low Power Consumption
Microprocessors are usually manufactured using metal oxide semiconductor technology, in which MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) are working in saturation and cut off modes. So the power consumption is very low compared to others.
Less Heat Generation
Compared to vacuum tube devices, semiconductor devices won’t emit that much heat.
Reliable
Microprocessors are very reliable, failure rate is very less as semiconductor technology is used.
Portable
Devices or computer system made with microprocessors can be made portable due to the small size and low power consumption.