6/12/2020 What is a Microprocessor and How Does it Work?

What is a Microprocessor and How

Does it Work?
By DJ Wardynski | Published October 10, 2019

  

What is a Microprocessor and What You

Need to Know
https://www.brainspire.com/blog/what-is-a-microprocessor-and-how-does-it-work 1/9
6/12/2020 What is a Microprocessor and How Does it Work?

Almost everyone uses a computer these days, whether it's at home or at work. In fact, it's rare to run
into someone that doesn't have access to a computer.
We depend greatly on computers, especially in the
business world. Yet few people really understand how
computers work. How is a computer able to execute
the commands that you input? The answer to that
question is through the computer's microprocessor. Of
course, knowing that doesn't provide much in the way
of an explanation. We’ll give you an overview of what a microprocessor is, how it functions, and more.

What is a Microprocessor?
The microprocessor is the central unit of a computer system that performs arithmetic and logic
operations, which generally include adding, subtracting, transferring numbers from one area to
another, and comparing two numbers. It's often known simply as a processor, a central processing
unit, or as a logic chip. It's essentially the engine or the brain of the computer that goes into motion
when the computer is switched on. It's a programmable, multipurpose device that incorporates the
functions of a CPU (central processing unit) on a single IC (integrated circuit).

How Does a Microprocessor Work?

A microprocessor accepts binary data as input, processes that data, and then provides output based
on the instructions stored in the memory. The data is processed using the microprocessor's ALU
(arithmetical and logical unit), control unit, and a register array. The register array processes the data
via a number of registers that act as temporary fast access memory locations. The ow of instructions
and data through the system is managed by the control unit.

Bene ts of a Microprocessor

https://www.brainspire.com/blog/what-is-a-microprocessor-and-how-does-it-work 2/9
6/12/2020 What is a Microprocessor and How Does it Work?

But computer systems aren't the only devices that use microprocessors. Everything from smartphones
to household appliances to cars use microprocessors these days. Here are a few reasons why
microprocessors are so widely used:

They don't cost a lot - Due to their use of IC technology, microprocessors don't cost much to
produce. This means that the use of microprocessors can greatly reduce the cost of the system
it's used in.

They are fast - The technology used to produce modern microprocessors has allowed them to
operate at incredibly high speeds--today's microprocessors can execute millions of instructions
per second.

They consume little power - Power consumption is much lower than other types of processors
since microprocessors are manufactured using metal oxide semiconductor technology. This
makes devices equipped with microprocessors much more energy e cient.

They are portable - Due to how small microprocessors are and that they don't consume a lot of
power, devices using microprocessors can be designed to be portable (like smartphones).

They are reliable - Because semiconductor technology is used in the production of

microprocessors, their failure rate is extremely low.

They are versatile - The same microprocessor chip can be used for numerous applications as
long as the programming is changed, making it incredibly versatile.

Common Terms Used

When it comes to discussing microprocessors, their function, and more, you're likely to come across a
number of terms that you may not be familiar with. The following are some common terms related to
microprocessors:

https://www.brainspire.com/blog/what-is-a-microprocessor-and-how-does-it-work 3/9
6/12/2020 What is a Microprocessor and How Does it Work?

Word Length
Word length refers to the number of bits in the processor's internal data bus--or the number of bits
that a processor can process at any given time. For example, an 8-bit processor will have 8-bit
registers, an 8-bit data bus, and will perform 8-bit processing at a time.

Instruction Set
The instruction set is the series of commands that a microprocessor can understand. Essentially, it's
the interface between the hardware and the software.

Cache Memory
The cache memory is used to store data or instructions that the software or program frequently
references during operation. Basically, it helps to increase the operation's overall speed by allowing
the processor to access data more quickly than from a regular RAM.

Clock Speed
The clock speed is the speed at which a microprocessor is able to execute instructions. It's typically
measured in Hertz and expressed in measurements like MHz (megahertz) and GHz (gigahertz).

Bus
A bus is the term used to describe the set of conductors that transmit data or that address or control
information to the microprocessor's di erent elements. Most microprocessors consist of three
di erent buses, which include the data bus, the address bus, and the control bus.

Categories of Microprocessors
Microprocessors can be classi ed in di erent categories, as follows:.

https://www.brainspire.com/blog/what-is-a-microprocessor-and-how-does-it-work 4/9
6/12/2020 What is a Microprocessor and How Does it Work?

Based on Word Length

Microprocessors can be based on the number of bits the processor's internal data bus or the number
of bits that it can process at a time (which is known as the word length). Based on its word length, a
microprocessor can be classi ed as 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit.

Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC)

RISC microprocessors are more general use than those that have a more speci c set of instructions.
The execution of instructions in a processor requires a special circuit to load and process data.
Because RISC microprocessors have fewer instructions, they have simpler circuits, which means they
operate faster. Additionally, RISC microprocessors have more registers, use more RAM, and use a xed
number of clock cycles to execute one instruction.

Complex Instruction Set Computer

CISC microprocessors are the opposite of RISC microprocessors. Their purpose is to reduce the
number of instructions for each program. The number of cycles per instruction is ignored. Because
complex instructions are made directly into the hardware, CISC microprocessors are more complex
and slower. CISC microprocessors use little RAM, have more transistors, have fewer registers, have
numerous clock cycles for each instruction, and have a variety of addressing modes.

Special Purpose Processors

Some microprocessors are built to perform speci c functions. For example, coprocessors are used in
combination with a main processor, while a transputer is a transistor computer: a microprocessor that
has its own local memory.

The Microprocessor Was a Turning Point for

Modern Computing
https://www.brainspire.com/blog/what-is-a-microprocessor-and-how-does-it-work 5/9
6/12/2020 What is a Microprocessor and How Does it Work?

CPUs used to be enormous. It wasn't until the 1960s that designers were attempting to integrate the
functions of a CPU onto microprocessor units. It was the successful development of the
microprocessor that led to the home computer. General purpose microprocessors are what allows our
computers to be used for text editing, multimedia display, computation, and communication over the
Internet. Because of how fast, small, and energy-e cient they are, they have been integral to the
development of everyday technology, including appliances, smartphones, and more. Since the
microprocessor basically changed the world, it's worth understanding what it is and how it functions!

How con dent are you that your business is running with the most modern tech? Take our quiz
today!

Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest in Custom Software With Brainspire's

Monthly Newsletter

Email* Go

Free Guide to Custom Software

Solutions
https://www.brainspire.com/blog/what-is-a-microprocessor-and-how-does-it-work 6/9
6/12/2020 What is a Microprocessor and How Does it Work?

Download the Ebook to read about how custom

software solutions:

Drive business
Improve efficiency
Improve insight into business data, reporting
and analytics
Automate business process
And much more..

Download the Guide

Questions About Custom Software

Solutions?

We build, respect, and value our long-term

relationships with transparency and honesty as
we solve each client’s unique challenges.  Let's
work together to create your next great Custom
Software Solution.

Contact Us

First microprocessor 10/5/2020, 02:07:27

Greate information I know the World s First Microprocessor which was designed by Ray Holt for
the F 14 Tomcat fighter jet Designed from 1968 70 F 14 flew in 1970. After I read this article I know

https://www.brainspire.com/blog/what-is-a-microprocessor-and-how-does-it-work 7/9
6/12/2020 What is a Microprocessor and How Does it Work?

many other things about the microprocessor. Keep it up

Reply to First microprocessor

First Name*

Last Name

Email*

Website

Comment*

protetto da reCAPTCHA
Privacy - Termini

Submit Comment

https://www.brainspire.com/blog/what-is-a-microprocessor-and-how-does-it-work 8/9
6/12/2020 What is a Microprocessor and How Does it Work?

10794 Eagle Crest Lane

Parker, CO 80138

What We Do

Follow Us

Contact Us

Copyright © 2020 Brainspire

Privacy Policy | Sitemap  | Website Supported by SMB Advisors

https://www.brainspire.com/blog/what-is-a-microprocessor-and-how-does-it-work 9/9