The Importance of Microprocessors

According to North Allegheny, the microprocessor is one of the greatest technological inventions of mankind. Microprocessors are used in electronic devices such as a personal computer, cell phone, anti-lock brakes and video games.

History

In 1971, Intel developed a single-chip microprocessor for use in a calendar. The Intel 8088 chip, used in the first IBM personal computer, is considered to be the first truly usable microprocessor.

Types

Early integrated circuit chips or small scale integration (SSI) evolved to medium and large scale (MSI and LSI). The current components are referred to as very large scale integrated circuits (VLSI). Evolving technology components change the capabilities that can be made available in future products.

Features

A VLSI circuit contains the CPU (Central Processing Unit), registers, cache memory and of the ALU (arithmetic logic unit) on a single chip. The significance is the number of transistors integrated on a single chip.

Functions

The operation of any device using a microprocessor is controlled by the CPU. The CPU receives a clock signal, and on each cycle of the signal, the CPU moves through a sequence of operations. The clock speed allows billions of computer instructions to be executed every second.

Theory/Speculation

In 1965, Carver Mead of Caltech stated the number of transistors on a single chip at the same prices will double every 18 to 24 months. Computing History Museum research confirms this law has held without fail.

References

• Microprocessors
• Microprocessors and Microcontrollers Memory Systems
• Great Moments in Microprocessors. Warner Wade

Resources

• Microprocessors