Definition of microprocessor

A microprocessor on a single integrated circuit intended to operate as an embedded system. As well as a CPU, a microcontroller typically includes small amounts of RAM and PROM and timers and I/O ports. A diagram in which the essential units of any system are drawn in the form of rectangles or blocks and their relation to each other is indicated by appropriate connecting lines.

Definition of microcontroller
A microcontroller (also abbreviated as is defined as a small computer, which uses a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, a memory and programmable input/output peripherals (peripherals means different devices connected to a computer). The program memory is generally a flash memory or OTP ROM (One Time Programmable ROM). It is also used within the chip and it may contain a small amount of RAM, too. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications. On the other hand, the microprocessors are used in personal computers or other general purpose applications.

Definition of microprocessor
It is defined as the integrated circuit or a semiconductor chip that performs bulk operations of processing and controlling the parts of a system. Thus a microprocessor functions as the central processing unit of a microcomputer. For example, a disk drive of say a CDROM, contains a microprocessor to handle the internal functions of the drive.

Differences between microcontroller & microprocessor

Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toys, embedded systems and a number of others. By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices, microcontrollers are very economical for digitally controlled machines, even more devices and processes. There is also one more type of microcontroller. It is called as mixed signal microcontroller. It uses common, integrating analog components for controlling non-digital electronic systems. A microprocessor and a microcontroller are virtually the same devices; however, microcontroller is referred to as a microprocessor that contains other functions and other extra hardware. For example, a microprocessor chip which also contains PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and on board serial data communication chips is known as a microcontroller. And microcomputer, is computing units that are smaller in size, such as your cell phone. A microprocessor is a hardware that can processes logical codes.

A microcontroller is a specialized form of microprocessor that is designed for self-sufficient working. It is also cost-effective. But a microprocessor is typically designed for general purpose (particularly used in a PC). Microcontrollers are frequently found in automobiles, office machines, toys and some other appliances. The microcontroller is the integration of a number of useful functions in a single IC package. These functions are: It has the ability to execute a stored set of instructions to carry out user defined tasks. It has the ability to be able to access external memory chips to read and write the data from and to the memory. 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 (microprocessor), Memory (both ROM and RAM), some parallel digital I/O Also, a microcontroller is part of an embedded system, which is actually the whole circuit board itself. The difference is that microcontroller uses features of microprocessor (CPU, ALU and registers) along with the presence of some more features like presence of RAM, ROM, I\O ports, counter etc. Here microcontroller controls the operation of machine using fixed program, which is stored in ROM.

Summary of the topic

So in my view, the main difference between a typical microprocessor and a micro controller is the application areas. Where they are used and for what purpose A typical microprocessor, for example, the Intel Core family or Pentium family processors or similar processors is in computers as a general purpose programmable device. In its life-time it has to handle many different tasks and programs given to it. On the other hand a microcontroller from 8051 family or PIC family or any other has typical applications in small embedded systems, for example, robotic system or a traffic signal control system, etc. Also these devices handle same task or same program during in their complete lifetime. The other difference is that the microcontroller usually handles real time tasks, but the microprocessor in a computer system never handles a real time task at all times.