|
DIFFERENCES |
|
|
Microprocessor |
Microcontroller |
|
|
|
|
A microprocessor is a chip that dependent on the chip of many function. |
A microcontroller is a single chip microcomputer that has everything in built. |
|
Microprocessors are often at least 16-bit, and typically 32-bit or 64-bit, though 8-bit still has a big market share. |
Microcontrollers are typically 8-bit, but may be 4-, 16-, or 32-bit |
|
It has few bit manipulation instruction. |
It has many bit manipulation instruction. |
|
Microprocessors run at speeds measured in hundreds of MHz |
Microcontrollers run at speeds less than 200 MHz |
|
It has less number of multifunctional pins |
It has more number of multifunctional pins. |
|
They have large memory address space. |
They have small memory address space. |
|
Design is very flexible. |
Design is less flexible. |
|
CPU is stand-alone, RAM, ROM, I/O, timers are separate. |
CPU, RAM, ROM, I/O, timers are all on a single chip. |
|
Expensive device. |
For application in which cost, power & space are critical. |
|
General Purpose. |
Single Purpose (Control- Oriented). |
|
High processing power. |
Low processing power. |
|
Rapid movements of code & data between external memory & MP. |
Rapid movement of code & data within MC. |
|
Microprocessor instructions are mainly nibble or byte addressable. |
Microcontroller instructions are both bit addressable as well as byte addressable. |
|
Microprocessor based system design is complex. |
Microcontroller based system design is rather simple. |
|
Microprocessors need special hardware to interface with sensors, motors, LEDs, etc. |
Microcontrollers are useful to interface with sensors and motors. |
|
A microprocessor has zero status flag. |
A microprocessor has no zero flag. |
|
Microprocessors are based on von Neumann model/architecture where program and data are stored in same memory module |
Micro controllers are based on Harvard architecture where program memory and Data memory are separate |
|
Most of the microprocessors do not have power saving features. |
Most of the micro controllers have power saving modes like idle mode and power saving mode. This helps to reduce power consumption even further. |
|
Since memory and I/O components are all external, each instruction will need external operation, hence it is relatively slower. |
Since components are internal, most of the operations are internal instruction, hence speed is fast. |
|
Microprocessors are not as easily worked with by a hobbyist. |
Microcontrollers are really nice for electronics hobbyists. |
Reference: