The term microprocessor (MPU) and microcontroller (MCU) have always been confused with each other.Both of them are often used in synonymous with each other because of the fact that they share common features and they are specifically designed for real time applications. However, they have their fair share of differences too. So let's point out the major differences between them.
Microprocessor
- It uses general purpose CPU which runs at high frequency.
- Time required to access the CPU register is more.
- Used in personal desktops or laptops.
- Microprocessor doesn't support boolean function.
- It will not support bitwise operators.
- It is the best suitable for multitasking.
- Operation speed is fast.
- Some of the components of microprocessor are outside.
- It is the heart computer system.
- System cost is high.
- These are not having power saving modes.
- E.g X86, Motorola, Pentium, Intel4004 etc.
Microcontroller
- It uses micro CPU which runs at low frequency.
- The time required to access the CPU register is less.
- Used in real time applications.
- It supports boolean operation.
- It supports bitwise operations.
- This is not suitable for multitasking.
- Operation speed is slow.
- All components are present inside the microcontroller.
- It is the heart of embedded system.
- System cost is low.
- These are having power saving modes.
- E.g 8051 microcontroller, PIC, MSP430 microcontroller etc.
Hope you find this article to be helpful. Happy Learning!!! : ).
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