difference between microcontroller and microprocessor?

<< Back to: Embedded Processor and Microcontroller primer and FAQ

Answer by BL Pancholi
Submitted on 9/15/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
:-->> A microcontroller is by definition a is a computer on a chip. It includes all the necessary parts (including the memory) all in one IC. You just need to apply the power (and possibly clock signal) to that device and it starts executing the program programmed to it. A microcontroller generally has the main CPU core, ROM/EPROM/EEPROM/FLASH, RAM and some accessry functions (like timers and I/O controllers) all intergated into one chip. The original idea behind the microcontroller was to limit the capabilities of the CPU itself, allowing a complete computer (memory, I/O, interrupts, etc) to fit on the available silicon real estate. :-->> Microprocessor is generally just the CPU core itself, althoguh nowadays it might have some accessory parts also integrated to the same chip (for example cache memory).

Answer by Rob_1
Submitted on 1/5/2007
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
The microprocessor is the integration of a number of useful functions into a single IC (integrated circuit) package. These functions are: The ability to execute a stored set of instructions, to carry out user defined tasks. The ability to be able to access external memory chips to both read and write data from and to the memory. Basically, a microcontroller is a device which integrates a number of the components of a microprocessor system onto a single microchip. So a microcontroller combines onto the same microchip : The CPU core Memory (both ROM and RAM) Some parallel digital I/O Essentially, a microcontroller is obtained by integrating the key components of microprocessor,RAM, ROM, and Digital I/O onto the same chip die. Modern microcontrollers also contain a wealth of other modules such as Serial I/O, Timers, and Analogue to Digital Converters. There are a large number of specialised devices with additional modules for specific needs. eg. CAN controllers, Serial Peripheral drivers

Answer by Sanjay Gawai
Submitted on 2/12/2007
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
The microprocessor is the integration of a number of useful functions into a single IC package. These functions are: The ability to execute a stored set of instructions to carry out user defined tasks. The ability to be able to access external memory chips to both read and write data from and to the memory. Basically, a microcontroller is a device which integrates a number of the components of a microprocessor system onto a single microchip. So a microcontroller combines onto the same microchip : The CPU core Memory (both ROM and RAM) Some parallel digital I/O Essentially, a microcontroller is obtained by integrating the key components of microprocessor,RAM, ROM, and Digital I/O onto the same chip die. Modern microcontrollers also contain a wealth of other modules such as Serial I/O, Timers, and Analogue to Digital Converters. There are a large number of specialised devices with additional modules for specific needs. eg. CAN controllers, Serial Peripheral drivers

Answer by sandy
Submitted on 3/30/2007
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
The microprocessor is the integration of a number of useful functions into a single IC package. These functions are: The ability to execute a stored set of instructions to carry out user defined tasks. The ability to be able to access external memory chips to both read and write data from and to the memory. Basically, a microcontroller is a device which integrates a number of the components of a microprocessor system onto a single microchip. So a microcontroller combines onto the same microchip : The CPU core Memory (both ROM and RAM) Some parallel digital I/O Essentially, a microcontroller is obtained by integrating the key components of microprocessor,RAM, ROM, and Digital I/O onto the same chip die. Modern microcontrollers also contain a wealth of other modules such as Serial I/O, Timers, and Analogue to Digital Converters. There are a large number of specialized devices with additional modules for specific needs. eg. CAN controllers, Serial Peripheral drivers

FAQS.ORG makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of the posts. Each post is the personal opinion of the poster. These posts are not intended to substitute for medical, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. FAQS.ORG does not endorse any opinion or any product or service mentioned mentioned in these posts.

<< Back to: Embedded Processor and Microcontroller primer and FAQ

[ Home | FAQ-Related Q&As | General Q&As | Answered Questions ]

Question by jay
Submitted on 4/28/2004
Related FAQ: Embedded Processor and Microcontroller primer and FAQ
Rating:	Rate this question:
difference between microcontroller and microprocessor?

Answer by anda
Submitted on 8/2/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Microprocessor is the central processing unit in a computer. To make it to work it will need lots of other ICs around it (like ROM, RAM and timers). Microcontroller is like a computer inside a single chip. Typical microcontroller has all necessary parts (CPU, ROM, RAM, timers) integrated inside one IC.

Answer by hari
Submitted on 9/29/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
by the name it self microprocessor is meant for processing not for controlling the data of external devices or envirnoment where as microcontroller is used to control the process or event or to control the aspect of envirnoment

Answer by suresh.p
Submitted on 10/29/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
microprocessor doesnt have internal ram and rom where as microcontroller has them. microprocessor doesnt have input and output ports where as microcontroller ha them. microprocessor is used for processing data where as microcontroller is used to control

Answer by sharu
Submitted on 12/2/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
A MicroController has in-built RAM,ROM,TIMERS,I/O Interfaces,CLOCK etc... whereas Micro Processor doesnot. n also MicroProcessor is for general purpose... a Micro Controller is for a Specific application

Answer by Jhansi Rani
Submitted on 12/22/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
In Microprocessor more op-codes, few bit handling instructions. But in Microcontroller: fewer op-codes, more bit handling Instructions, and also it is defined as a device that includes micro processor, memory, & input / output signal lines on a single chip.

Answer by sunny
Submitted on 1/2/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
the prime difference between both is controller has got internal memory,i/o ports,counters etc which are not there in microprocessors. basically controller is a digital computer on a chip.the pins of controller can be programmed where as only data pins of the processor can be programmed.

Answer by m_cheliyan@hotmail.com
Submitted on 1/26/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Iam also looking

Answer by premkumar
Submitted on 2/27/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
i don't no

Answer by srinivas sunil
Submitted on 3/7/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MICROPROCESSOR AND MICRO CONTROLLER

Answer by gurpreet singh
Submitted on 3/19/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
please give me the answer

Answer by vasu
Submitted on 4/1/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Memory is external to the Microprocessor where as in microcontroller the memory is inbuilt.Suppose if u take Intel-8051 we have 4Kb of Programm Memory and 128 Bytes of data memory. 2)Microprocessor is General purpose cpu,But Microcontroller is Dedicated for a particular purpose. 3)We can say that Microprocessor is chip on a computer where as Microcontroller is computer on a chip.

Answer by vinny
Submitted on 5/24/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
dont know.

Answer by Thang
Submitted on 7/6/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Memory n Ports r the main difference

Answer by micky
Submitted on 7/10/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Alias name.

Answer by Pash
Submitted on 1/3/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Microcontrollers have Peripherals in chip ex. A/D, D/A, PWM, Analog Comparator, etc. along with EEPROM, Flash Program Memory, RAM that does'twith Microprocessor.

Answer by teji
Submitted on 7/14/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
hi

Answer by puppu
Submitted on 7/19/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I don't know

Answer by ashwini jakhar
Submitted on 7/21/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
microcontroller is. Essentially, a microcontroller is obtained by integrating the key components of microprocessor,RAM, ROM, and Digital I/O onto the same chip die. Modern microcontrollers also contain a wealth of other modules such as Serial I/O, Timers, and Analogue to Digital Converters. There are a large number of specialised devices with additional modules for specific needs. eg. CAN controllers, Serial Peripheral drivers.

Answer by beewoo
Submitted on 7/29/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
check out this link. http://www.mikroelektronika.co.yu/english/product/books/PICbook/1_chapter.htm

Answer by tedii
Submitted on 9/22/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
assembly language programming is a lang. that the computer understands better.how can i write a program that may use to control a microcontroller device like spy robot.how do i chip it into the ics.And again which of the ics will it be chiped in ?.is it the ROM or the microcontrolller its or RAM

Answer by venkatesh
Submitted on 10/26/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
i dont know

Answer by vamc
Submitted on 12/12/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
hi every body

Answer by NAZIMUDDIN MOHAMMED
Submitted on 12/17/2005
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Dont worry is simple.... *The microprocessor is the integration of a number of useful functions into a single IC package. These functions are: The ability to execute a stored set of instructions to carry out user defined tasks. The ability to be able to access external memory chips to both read and write data from and to the memory. *Basically, a microcontroller is a device which integrates a number of the components of a microprocessor system onto a single microchip. So a microcontroller combines onto the same microchip : The CPU core Memory (both ROM and RAM) Some parallel digital I/O

Answer by hatem
Submitted on 3/1/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
difference between microcontroller and microprocessor

Answer by gag
Submitted on 3/21/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
good site

Answer by Kunal
Submitted on 4/29/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Hello, According to the findings I have done in regard to the difference b/w microcontroller and microprocessor, I am able to distinguish them by few features. First difference is the size. Microcontroller are smaller in size as compared to Microporcessor. Microcontroller and Microprocessor both have cpu in them, but Microcontroller also have I/O interfaces, memory(RAM, ROM), clock built in where as microprocessor dont have them and makes use of external entities.

Answer by van_tdh2_k46
Submitted on 5/4/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Difference is integration

Answer by kurakar
Submitted on 5/16/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
microcontroller is an embedded system but microprocessor is not

Answer by moin
Submitted on 5/20/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
difference between micro controller and microprocessor?

Answer by subrahmanyam kambala
Submitted on 6/11/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
microprocessor is integration of number of useful functions into a single IC package it is also called as micro-chip microcontroller contains all the memory and interfaces needed for application microcontroller is type of microprocessor

Answer by hussaini
Submitted on 6/15/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
what is difference between microcontroller and microprocessor

Answer by vikram
Submitted on 7/27/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
format of assembler instruction

Answer by venkat
Submitted on 7/31/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
MICROPROCEESOR MICROCONTROLLER 1. No memory Got Separate ROM and RAM 2. No I/O Ports In built Ports Available 3. No Timers Internal Timers Available 4. No Serial Port In built Serial Communication

Answer by asifsamiarain
Submitted on 9/14/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Microprocessor is actually all in all, it could be combination of memory, circuit and microcontrollers. Microprocessor has ability to do multiple tasks and can accomplish different type of tasks. But microcontrollers just have limited ability to generate control signals for circuitry. With the help of microcontrollers its easy to generate signals but not necessary we could do this piece of work by using hardwired approach as well.

Answer by Savitha
Submitted on 10/14/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
Microprocessor is the central processing unit in a computer. To make it to work it will need lots of other ICs around it (like ROM, RAM and timers). Microcontroller is like a computer inside a single chip. Typical microcontroller has all necessary parts (CPU, ROM, RAM, timers) integrated inside one IC.