Introduction

When it comes to electronics, there are two types of integrated circuits that companies use to give life to their creations – microprocessors and microcontrollers. But, what is the difference? In this post, we'll be comparing microprocessors vs microcontrollers, and see which one comes out on top.

Microprocessors

A microprocessor is a computer processor that incorporates the functions of a central processing unit of a computer onto one or a few integrated circuits. It receives data, processes it, and returns the results. Microprocessors are powerful and can perform complex mathematical operations quickly. They are commonly used in personal computers, laptops, and smartphones.

Microcontrollers

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit that contains a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. Unlike a microprocessor, it is designed to control specific functions within a device, rather than performing general computing tasks. They are commonly used in home appliances, automobiles, and medical devices.

Comparison

Now that we understand what microprocessors and microcontrollers are, let's compare them.

Hardware

Microprocessors contain only the central processing unit, while microcontrollers contain processors along with memory, input/output peripherals, and timers.

Power Consumption

Microprocessors consume more power compared to microcontrollers because they are designed to handle more processing power. Microcontrollers, on the other hand, consume less power because they only need to perform specific tasks.

Cost

Microprocessors are more expensive than microcontrollers because of their processing capabilities. Microcontrollers are designed for specific tasks, therefore require less processing power and are more affordable.

Applications

Microprocessors are used in general-purpose computing applications, while microcontrollers are widely used in embedded systems, such as robotics, automobiles, and smart devices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both microprocessors and microcontrollers have their unique features and are designed for specific applications. Microprocessors are more suitable for general-purpose computing tasks and heavy processing, while microcontrollers are more energy-efficient and cost-effective for specific tasks that do not require much processing power.

Next time you're working on an electronics project, consider which one is more suited to your needs before making your decision.

References

[1] "Microcontroller vs Microprocessor", Electrical4U, Aug 14, 2018. Accessed on Jan 24, 2022. Available at: https://www.electrical4u.com/microcontroller-vs-microprocessor/

[2] "What is a Microcontroller?", Microchip Technology Inc. Accessed on Jan 24, 2022. Available at: https://www.microchip.com/en-us/products/microcontrollers-and-microprocessors/8-bit-mcus/what-is-a-microcontroller