Micro Computer
Micro Computer
Session No: 22
AIM OF THE SESSION
To familiarize students with the basic concept of Microcomputer, Internal Architecture and organization of Micro
Computer.
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES
LEARNING OUTCOMES
• It is a small, relatively
inexpensive computer
with a microprocessor
as CPU along with
memory, I/O devices,
etc.
• Examples: Desktop,
Laptop, etc.
Features of Microcomputer
What is a Microprocessor ?
Microprocessor can be used in applications where task is not predefined and is assigned by the user.
What is a Microcontroller ?
• Designed for specific task, once program is written it
can’t be altered.
• Microprocessor with RAM, ROM and IO Ports
available on a single chip.
Ex: Arduino, ARM, AT Mega328, 8051 etc.
Applications: Microwave oven, washing machine,
cameras, security alarms etc.
Microprocessor Vs Microcontroller
Microprocessor Microcontroller
It is a processor in which memory and I/O output component It is a controlling device in which memory and I/O output
is connected externally, looks large in size. component is present internally, looks small in size.
Microprocessor has less number of registers. Therefore most Microcontroller has more number of registers. Therefore a
of the operations are memory based. program is easier to write.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Performs Arithmetic Operations: The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a CPU is responsible for
executing all the arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division,
essential for processing data and executing instructions.
Handles Logical Operations: Beyond arithmetic, the ALU performs logical operations including
AND, OR, NOT, and XOR, which are crucial for decision-making processes, comparisons, and
conditional executions in programming and computer operations.
Control Unit
Fetches instructions: The control unit retrieves instructions from the computer's memory.
Decodes instructions: It interprets the retrieved instructions, breaking them down into their
component parts.
Controls data flow: The control unit manages the movement of data between different parts of
the CPU, like the ALU and registers.
Executes instructions: It directs other CPU components like the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
to perform the operations specified in the instructions.
Memory @ CPU
Registers: These are tiny, very fast memory locations that hold a minimal amount of data
currently being used by the CPU. Think of them as the CPU's notepad for immediate calculations.
Cache: This is a small but faster memory compared to main RAM. It stores frequently accessed
data and instructions from main memory, allowing the CPU to retrieve them quicker.
Control Unit Interaction: The control unit relies on registers to store operands (data) and
instructions during processing.
Limited Capacity: Compared to main memory, CPU memory (registers and cache) is much
smaller in size. This prioritizes speed over massive storage.
How data is stored in memory?
Memory is usually measured by the number of bytes it S.No Unit & Description
can hold. It is measured in Kilo, Mega ,Giga and Tera. Kilobyte (KB)
1
1 KB = 1024 Bytes
A Kilo in computer language is 210 = 1024.
Megabyte (MB)
2
1 MB = 1024 KB
Gigabyte (GB)
3
1 GB = 1024 MB
Terabyte (TB)
4
1 TB = 1024 GB
Petabyte (PB)
5 1 PB = 1024 TB
Microcomputer - Buses
Microcomputer - Buses
Address bus - carries memory addresses from the processor to other components such as
primary storage and input/output devices.
Data bus - carries the data between the processor and other components.
Control bus - carries control signals from the processor to other components.
SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
a) ROM
b) Microprocessor
c) Motherboard
d) Bus system.
1. Illustrate the architecture of a CPU and its constituent blocks, elaborating on their functions.
2. Analyze the role and significance of I/O devices in computer systems with examples.
3. Identify the buses in microcomputer architecture, detailing their types, functions.
REFERENCES FOR FURTHER LEARNING OF THE SESSION
Reference Books:
1. Computer Organization by Carl Hamacher, Zvonko Vranesic and Saftwat Zaky.
2. Computer System Architecture by M. Morris Mano
3. Computer Organization and Architecture by William Stallings