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6/20/2011

Fundamental Concepts of MPUs and MCUs


(Microprocessor Systems)

Microprocessor Systems

F. M. Fernando

OBJECTIVES
1. Define and differentiate MPUs, MCUs, & controller- or p-based systems; 2. Discuss the technological advances from MPU to MCU 3. Identify other MCUs
Microprocessor Systems F. M. Fernando
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6/20/2011

COVERAGE
1. Von Neumann (Princeton) versus Harvard Architecture and CISC versus RISC Processors 2. Technological Generations of Microprocessor Units (MPUs) To Microcontroller Units (MCUs) 3. Other MCUs
Microprocessor Systems F. M. Fernando
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In the 1940s two major classes of computer architecture emerged: von Neumann (or Princeton) and Harvard. The von Neumann model uses a single storage architecture, called memory, for instructions and data. In contrast, the Harvard architecture uses physically separate memory units and buses for instructions and data.
Microprocessor Systems F. M. Fernando

Von Neumann (Princeton) Architecture vs. Harvard Architecture

6/20/2011

Microprocessor Units (MPUs) To Microcontroller Units (MCUs)


The p era began with the Intel 4004 4-bit p. This pioneer was quickly replaced by 8-bit processors such as Intel 8008/8080/8085, Zilog Z80, Motorola 6800, and MOS Technology 6502. In 1970s, microcomputers were designed using these 8-bit MPUs. IBM replaced the microcomputer with Personal Computer (PC) when it began to market computers designed with the 16-bit Intel 8088 p. Since the 1980s, two distinct trends emerged in the p field: 1. the design of larger and faster MPUs for high-speed processing, and 2. the integration of various devices such as the p, memory, I/O ports, timers, and data converters on a single chip of MCU.
Microprocessor Systems F. M. Fernando
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The first trend, increasing the size and speed, was led by the Intel 8088 processor used in PCs, followed by several processors such as the Intel 80XXX and Pentium processors, the Motorola 68000 series, and AIM (alliance of Apple, IBM, and Motorola) POWER PCs. The second trend, toward integration, was led by the 8-bit Intel 8051 microcontroller, followed by the Zilog Z8, the Motorola 68HC series, the Atmel AVR series, the Microchip PIC series, and MCUs from many other manufacturers. NOTE that : A typical US home may have more than 50 MCUs built into its various phones, security systems, fax machines, and computers. These are all considered embedded control systems, in which the running, controlling, and monitoring go behind the scenes.
Microprocessor Systems F. M. Fernando
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6/20/2011

CISC versus RISC Processor Architecture


In the first trend, the MPU needed to access the memory more frequently and designers added more complex instructions for the processor to decode, which slowed execution. This design approach was classified as Complex Instruction Set Computing or Computers (CISC) and chips were called CISC processors. Research studies discovered that programs used only about 20% of the instruction frequently and the remaining 80% very rarely. A new design philosophy (hence, the second trend) emerged from these studies called Reduced Instruction Set Computing/Computers (RISC) that simplified the hardware design by including frequently used simple instructions and improved the performance. In comparison, CISC processors are nearly opposite RISC processors.
Microprocessor Systems F. M. Fernando
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Other MCUs
Major 8-bit MCUs that followed Intel were:

Zilog Z8 Freescale 6811 Microchip PIC


The code of these MCUs is not compatible with
Intels 8051 that originated from Intel 8048. Code written for one will not work for the other.
Microprocessor Systems F. M. Fernando
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6/20/2011

The Differences
MPU
The CPU, RAM/ROM (memory), timers, I/O ports are different chips Used for products with general purpose like PC Different kinds of software applications can be loaded The memory size, number of ports can be configured
Microprocessor Systems

MCU
The CPU, RAM/ROM (memory), timers, I/O ports are present in the same chipset Used in products with specific applications, like camera and cell phone A single software application is generally used Amount of memory & number of ports are limited by the MCU used
F. M. Fernando
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Differences continued

Microprocessor Systems

F. M. Fernando

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6/20/2011

A controller-based or p-based system is defined as an electronic system that is controlled either by a controller or a p. The system is divided into 2 major segments: hardware (physical components) & software (programs or instructions for operation control). A controller is an integrated electronic computing device that includes 3 major components on a single chip: the MPU, memory, & I/O ports all connected by common communication lines called the bus system.
Microprocessor Systems F. M. Fernando
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In Summary

Summary, continued The MPU is a group of electronic circuits fabricated on a semiconductor chip that can read instructions written in memory & process (compute) binary data according to those instructions. Memory is a semiconductor storage device consisting of registers. These registers store binary digits (bits) categorized as ROM or RAM (R/WM, read/write memory). I/O ports are latches & buffers than can be interfaced with peripherals, such as keyboards & LEDs.
Microprocessor Systems F. M. Fernando
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6/20/2011

Summary, continued
The system bus is divided into 3 groups: the address bus, data bus, & control signals. The address bus is a group of unidirectional lines that carry the address of memory or I/O devices, & these addresses are initiated by the MPU. The data bus is a group of bidirectional lines that carry data between MPU & memory or I/O devices. The control lines are timing signals that initiate various read-write operations of the MPU. The MPU is capable of decoding & executing binary instructions that are designed into its electronic circuits; these binary instructions are known as microcode.
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