Application of Microprocessor
Application of Microprocessor
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 4, April 2013)
Application of Microprocessors
Okoro U. Raymond1, Kuyoro 'Shade O.2, Adekunle Y.A.3, Awodele O.4
Department of Computer Science, Babcock University, Nigeria
Abstract Microprocessors are applicable to a wide range
of information processing tasks, ranging from general
computing to real-time
monitoring systems. The
microprocessor facilitates new ways of communication and
how to make use of the vast information available online and
offline both at home and in workplace. Most electronic
devices--including everything from computers, remote
controls, washing machines, microwaves and cell phones to
iPods and more--contain a built-in microprocessor.
Microprocessors are at the core of personal computers,
laptops, mobile phones and complex military and space
systems. This work presents the general application of
microprocessors.
I. INTRODUCTION
A microprocessor is usually a silicon chip that contains
millions of transistors and other components that process
millions of instructions per second integrated with memory
chips and other special purpose chips, and directed by
software.[3,4]It is a multipurpose, programmable
microchip that uses digital data as input and provides
results as an output once it processes the input according to
instructions stored in its memory. Microprocessors use
sequential digital logic as they have internal memory and
operate on numbers and symbols represented in the binary
numeral system.[3,4] They are designed to perform
arithmetic and logic operations that make use of data on the
chip. General purpose microprocessors in PCs are used for
multimedia display, computation, text editing and
communication.[13] Several microprocessors are part of
embedded systems. These embedded microprocessors
provide digital control to several objects including
appliances, automobiles, mobile phones and industrial
process control.
A microprocessor is also known as a central processing
unit (CPU), which is a complete computing engine
assembled on a single chip. It performs all the
computational tasks, calculations and data processing of the
computer [13]. The most popular type of microprocessor is
the Intel Pentium chip. A typical example is shown in
Figure 1.
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II. MICROCONTROLLERS
Microcontrollers are designed for industrial control
applications, where ease of use and versatility rather than
speed is the main requirements. They interface with sensors
and other devices in applications ranging from on-board
computers in cars to lighting systems and renewable energy
control systems.
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C. Transportation Industry
Automobiles, trains and planes utilize microprocessor
technology. The 1978 Cadillac Seville was the first
consumer vehicle to use a microprocessor embedded in its
digital display. The "Trip Computer" provided mileage and
additional information on the current trip.[12]
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G. Imaging Applications
Though some medical imaging applications remain
tethered to the wall, ultrasound machines have benefited
the most from the markets trends toward miniaturization
and portability. Historically, ultrasound systems weighed
hundreds of pounds and were large and expensive. In the
past it was more practical to bring the bed-ridden patient,
bed and all, to the ultrasound machine rather than vice
versa. Only in the case of the critically ill patients who
could not be moved was the ultrasound system
maneuvered, with difficulty, to the patient. Over time,
portable ultrasound technologies emerged, but achieving
image quality on par with the larger devices proved to be a
challenge, as was achieving the battery life, high-power
computing, and efficient memory access that these
applications require. High-quality handheld systems enable
routine bedside scanning. This has not only improved
patient access to safe, noninvasive diagnostic medicine, but
has reduced the time and costs associated with such
diagnostics.
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H. Communication
Among the many types of peripheral, circuits that can be
built into microcontrollers are communication interfaces,
and
in
particular
wireless
interface
circuits.
Microcontrollers designed for communication applications
include sections for handling communication protocols
such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, CAN bus, infrared, USB
and Ethernet. Communication microcontrollers can be
found in wireless devices and in wired network devices
such as those in automotive applications. In telephone
industry, microprocessors are used in digital telephone sets,
telephone exchanges and modem etc. The use of
microprocessor in television, satellite communication has
made teleconferencing possible. Railway reservation and
air reservation system also uses this technology. LAN and
WAN for communication of vertical information through
computer network.
IV. CONCLUSION
Microprocessor has and will continue to revolutionize
our world. Thousands of items that were traditionally not
computer-related now include microprocessors. These
include large and small household appliances, cars and
their accessories, car keys, tools and test instruments, toys,
light switches/dimmers and electrical circuit breakers,
smoke alarms, battery packs, and hi-fi audio/visual
components (from DVD players to phonograph turntables.)
Such products as cellular telephones, DVD video system
and HDTV broadcast systems fundamentally require
consumer
devices
with
powerful,
low-cost,
microprocessors. Increasingly stringent pollution control
standards effectively require automobile manufacturers to
use microprocessor engine management systems, to allow
optimal control of emissions over widely varying operating
conditions of an automobile. Non-programmable controls
would require complex, bulky, or costly implementation to
achieve the results possible with a microprocessor. A
microprocessor control program can be easily tailored to
different needs of a product line, allowing upgrades in
performance with minimal redesign of the product.
Different features can be implemented in different models
of a product line at negligible production cost.
Microprocessor control of a system can provide control
strategies that would be impractical to implement using
electromechanical controls or purpose-built electronic
controls.
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
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