# Difference b/w Microprocessor and Microcontroller

- Link: https://studyelectrical.com/2016/11/difference-between-microprocessor-and-microcontroller.html
- Published: 2016-11-15T12:54:00+00:00
- Author: 

The term microprocessor and microcontroller have always been confused with each 
other. Both of them have been designed for real-time application. They share many
common features and at the same time, they have significant differences. 

Both the IC’s i.e., the microprocessor and microcontroller cannot be distinguished
by looking at them.  They are available in different version starting from 6 pins
to as high as 80 to 100 pins or even higher depending on the features.

## Definition

**_A microprocessor _**is an IC which has only the CPU inside them i.e. only the
processing powers such as Intel’s Pentium 1,2,3,4, core 2 duo, i3, i5, etc. These
microprocessors don’t have RAM, ROM, and other peripheral on the chip. A system 
designer has to add them externally to make them functional.

Application of microprocessor includes Desktop PC’s, Laptops, notepads etc.

The _**microcontroller **_incorporates all the features that are found in the microprocessor.
The important thing is that microcontroller has built-in ROM, RAM, Input-Output 
ports, Serial Port, timers, interrupts and clock circuit. A microcontroller is an
entire computer manufactured on a single chip. 

For example, microcontrollers are used as engine controllers in automobiles and 
as exposure and focus controllers in cameras. [Arduino](https://studyelectrical.com/2016/04/an-introduction-to-arduino-for-beginners.html)
is an example of a microcontroller.

## Microprocessor V/S Microcontroller

[⌊Microprocessor vs microcontroller⌉⌊Microprocessor vs microcontroller⌉[

Microprocessor vs microcontroller

 * It is very clear from the figure above that in microprocessor we have to interface
   additional circuitry for providing the function of memory and ports.
    - _For example, we have to interface external RAM for data storage, ROM for 
      program storage, programmable peripheral interface (PPI) 8255 for the Input-
      Output ports, 8253 for timers, USART for the serial port. _

 * While in the microcontroller RAM, ROM, I/O ports, timers, and serial communication
   ports are inbuilt. Because of this, it is called a “system on a chip”.
    - _So in a microcontroller, there is no necessity of additional circuitry which
      is interfaced in the microprocessor because memory and input-output ports 
      are inbuilt in the microcontroller. _

 * Microcontroller gives satisfactory performance for small applications. But for
   large applications, the memory requirement is limited because only 64 KB memory
   is available for program storage.  
    - _So for large applications, we prefer microprocessor than microcontroller 
      due to its high processing speed._

### Criteria for Selection of a Microcontroller in Embedded System

Criteria for selection of microcontroller in any embedded system is as follows:

 * Meeting the computing needs of the task at hand efficiently and cost-effectively
    - Speed of operation
    - Packing
    - Power consumption
    - Amount of RAM and ROM on-chip
    - No. of I/O pins and timers on-chip
    - Cost

 *  Availability of software development tools such as compiler, assembler, and 
   debugger.

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