Article summary: Microprocessor.
A microprocessor is defined as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) of all computers hence it is the brain of computers and a number of electronic appliances found in households. It entails the Functionality of a CPU on a few integrated and single ones, IC. Krishna further brings out its functions. He terms it as a multipurpose device that can be programmable to allow input digital data, processes the data in reference to instructions depicted in the memory. The results hence are produced as the output (61). This comes out in different forms depending on receiver.
Microprocessors can also be put together to form multiple microprocessors to work together the main focus of data centers, other digital devices and also to super computers. During the earlier stages of computer technology, its bulkiness brought with it some major issues such as cost. The modern world has been transformed with the introduction of low-cost computers. The computer being on integrated circuits has transformed modern society. An instance can be deduced from the personal computer that has a general functioning microprocessors finding uses when computation, communicating over the internet and editing texts editing.
His devices also come in different structures and complexity for the Integrated circuit. It all depends on the internal arrangement of the microprocessor. The arrangement also varies depending on the intended purpose and age and the design of the processor. Going down the memory lane on the introduction of microprocessors, dates back to 1971, where it was an Intel 4004 (Parab et al 4). It had a binary-coded decimal (BCD) arithmetical 4-bit worded processor. The specific processor was less powerful hence it was applied in performing and solving simple mathematical operations. Other projects that were set to deliver the processor are Texas Instruments (IT) TMS 1000 1971 and the Garrett AiResearch’s Central Air Data Computers (CADC) 1968 .Personal computers came widely into the view in the 80’s and in turn, it transformed the average person's life. Having multiple processors also was a way of making a computer to be more efficient.
Integrating the whole CPU into a chip or a few of them, has seen the cost of power processing going down. As the size of data grew so did the need of longer bit microprocessors over time. An illustration can be seen when the chips were developed into 16- bit from the usual 4-bit and 8-bit components. Which also brought relief as the 8-bit and 16-bit components were affordable and yet more efficient. The growth or rather development of small but yet efficient processors would be projected by the Moore’s law. Moore gave out a law that shall account for the increase in ability of microprocessors suggesting that the number of components fitted onto a chip doubles yearly. In fact it is noted that the change is subject to change after every two years. This can be deduced from the level of technology the world has managed to achieve so far.
Modern enhanced microprocessors are able to do sophisticated operations in various areas such as aviation, medicine field and engineering. These developed processors have stepped up to become more powerful and much faster. By this, the components making the microprocessor were reduced in size but still containing the desirable structure and efficiency. This brings about portable computers and affordable ones for that matter.
References
Krishna Kant Microprocessors And Microcontrollers: Architecture Programming And System DesignPHI Learning Pvt. Ltd., 2007 page 61, describing the iAPX 432
Parab, Jivan S.; Shelake, Vinod G.; Kamat, Rajanish K.; Naik, Gourish M. (2007). Exploring C for Microcontrollers: A Hands on Approach (PDF). Springer. p. 4. Retrieved 2010-07-25
Moore, Gordon (19 April 1965). "Cramming more components onto integrated circuits" (PDF). Electronics 38 (8). Retrieved 2009-12-23
The Article
What is a Microprocessor? The microprocessor, also known as the Central Processing Unit (CPU), is the brain of all computers and many household and electronic devices. Multiple microprocessors, working together, are the "hearts" of datacenters, super-computers, communications products, and other digital devices. The first microprocessor was the Intel 4004, introduced in 1971. The 4004 was not very powerful; it was primarily used to perform simple mathematical operations in a calculator called “Busicom.”Just like microwaves or telephones, devices with microprocessors have become so integrated into our daily lives, that we cannot imagine a life without them. It’s sometimes hard to believe that only 60 years ago, computers
Were rare and were not available for the wider public. It wasn't until the '80s that computers entered our homes and -thanks to the microprocessor - really made an impact on the average person's life. Nowadays, modern microprocessors can perform extremely sophisticated operations in areas such as meteorology, aviation, nuclear physics and engineering, and take up much less space as well as delivering superior performance. Over the past 40 years, microprocessors have become faster and more powerful, yet increasingly smaller and more affordable. The manufacturing of a CPU is a highly complex and demanding process involving multiple hundreds of steps in “cleanrooms.” Cleanrooms or manufacturing plants, contain air which is 1,000times cleaner than a hospital’s operation theater. The building of one plant costs approximately $5bn.
Website Source http://download.intel.com/newsroom/kits/40thanniversary/pdfs/What_is_a_Microprocessor.pdf
