INTRODUCTION TO THE MICROPROCESSOR AND MICROCOMPUTER

Definition of Microprocessor

2 branches of applications:
1. Personal Computer These microprocessor-based computers were intended
to be versatile tools that could load and run various programs such as word
processor, spreadsheets, database and games. They could also be easily
custom-programmed by the user to do whatever the programmer imagined.
(Example : Intel 4004, and the likes)
2. Microcomputer ( or Microcontroller unit) A microprocessor-based computer
as a control unit embedded in a marketable product.. These microcomputer is
made up of the same elements as the personal computer, but it is
programmed once by the manufacturer. Then it spends its life performing its
intended tasks, such as waiting for buttons to be pressed and turning ON &
OFF devices such as lights, motors, beepers, etc.( Example: Intel 8051 family)
Intel 8051
-

reperesent a branch of the microprocessor family tree

Falls into general category known as embedded microcontrollers
First developed in the early 1980s along with 68HCII
8 bit control-oriented device

Digital computer is a combination of digital device and circuits that can perform a
programmed sequence of operations with a minimum of human intervention.
- Is simply a high-speed machine that can manipulate data, solve
problems, , and make decisions, all under the control of the program.
Program sequence of operations
- Is a set of coded instructions that is stored in the computers internal
memory along with all of the data that the program requires.
Computer programmer provides a program of instructions and data that specifies
every detail of what to do, what to do it and when to do it.
SECRET AGENT 89
- A far-fetched analogy that contains many concepts involved in computer
operation.
Mission: Secret agent 89 is trying to find out the number of the airport landing strip
where a known terrorist will be landing.
Background : His contact tells him that the information is located in a series of post
office boxes. To ensure that no one else gets the information, it is spread through 10
different boxes. His contact gives him 10 keys along with the following instructions:
1. The information in each box is written in code.
2. Open box 1 first and execute the instruction located there.
3. Continue through the rest of the boxes in sequence unless instructed to do
otherwise.
4. One of the boxes contains information that will misdirect anyone but Agent
89.

1) Add the number stored in box 9 to

your secret agent code number
3) Subtract the number stored in box
8
5) Subtract 13 from the previous
result.
7) The landingwill take place on strip
#3
9) 11

2) Divide the previous result by the

number stored in box 10
4) If the previous result is not equal
to 30, go to box 7. Otherwise
continue to next box.
6) Return to headquarters for more
instructions.
8) 20
10)

When compared to computer operation:

Memory (where instructions and data are stored) post office boxes
Memory Addresses numbers on each box
Instructions - boxes 1,2,3,4,5,&6
Data boxes 8,9,& 10
Different classes of instructions are present in boxes 1 to 6:
Boxes 1,2,3 & 5 are instructions that call for arithmetic operations.
Box 4 contains a decision-making instruction called a conditional jump or
conditional branch (This instruction calls for the agent or computer to decide
whether to jump to address 7 or continue to address 5)
Box 6 contains a simple control instruction that requires no data and refers to no
other addresses( or box #). This return instruction tells the agent that the procedure
is finished( or the program is completed)
Note: A computer, like secret agent 89, decodes and then execute the instructions
srored in memory sequentially, beginning with the first location.

BASIC COMPUTER SYSTEM ORGANIZATION

Five essential elements in every computer:
1. Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)
2. Memory unit
3. Control Unit
4. Input Unit
5. Output Unit
Figure: basic computer organization ( see fig at the board)
Arrows indicate the direction in which data, information, or control signals are
flowing.
2 different-size arrows:
1. Larger arrows represent data or information that consists of large number of
parallel lines
2. Smaller arrows represent control signals that are normally only one or a few
lines.
Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)
The ALU is the area of the computer in which arithmetic and logic operations are
performed on data. The type of operation that is to be performed is determined by
signals from the control unit( arrow 1). The data to be operated on by ALU can come
from either the memory unit (arrow 2) or the input unit( arrow 3). Results of
operations performed in the ALU can be transferred to either the memory unit for
storage (arrow 4) or the output unit (arrow 5)
Memory Unit
The memory stores groups of binary digits(word) that can represent instructions
( program) that the computer is to perform and the data that are to be operated on
by the program. The memory also serves as storage for intermediate and final
results of arithmetic operation (arrow 4). Operation of the memory is controlled by
the control unit (arrow 6), which signals for either a read or a write operation. A
given location in memory is accessed by the control unit that provides the
appropriate address code(arrow 7). Information can be written into the memory
from the ALU or the input unit (arrow 8), again under control of the control unit.
Information can be read from memory into the ALU (arrow 2 ) or into the output unit
( arrow 9).
Input Unit
The input unit consists of all of the devices used to take information and data that
are external to the computer and put them into the memory unit (arrow 8 ) or the
ALU (arrow 3). The control unit determines where the input information is sent
( arrow 10). The input unit is used to to enter the program and data into the
memory unit prior to starting the computer. This unit is also used to enter data into
the ALU from an external device during the execution of a program. Some of the
common input devices are keyboard, toggle switches, modems, magnetic-strip
reader, magnetic disc units, magnetic tape units, analog-to-digital converter(ADC),
etc.
Output Unit

The output unit consists of the devices used to transfer data and information from
the computer to the outside world. The output devices are directed by the control
unit (arrow 12) and can receive data from memory (arrow 9) or the ALU (arrow 5);
the data are then put into appropriate form for external use. Example of common
output devices are LED readouts, indicator lights, printers, disk or tape units, video
monitors, and DAC(digital-to-analog converter).

Control Unit
It directs the operation of all of the other units by providing timing and control
signals. This unit contains logic and timing circuits that generate the proper signals
necessary to execute each instruction in a program.
The control unit fetches an instruction from memory by sending an address (arrow7)
and a read command (arrow 6) to the memory unit. The instruction word stored at
thememory location is then transferred to the control unit (arrow 11).
Computer Interfacing transmitting digital information between a computer and its
peripherals in a compatible and synchronized way.
Peripherals the devices that make up the input and output units because they are
external to the rest of the computer.
Central Processing Unit

Pronounced as separate letters, CPU is the abbreviation for central processing unit.
Sometimes referred to simply as the central processor, but more commonly
called processor, the CPU is the brains of the computer where most calculations
take place. In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of
a computer system.
On large machines, the CPU requires one or more printed circuit boards. On
personal computers and small workstations, the CPU is housed in a single
chip called a microprocessor. Since the 1970's the microprocessor class of CPUs has
almost completely overtaken all other CPU implementations.
The CPU itself is an internal component of the computer. Modern CPUs are small
and square and contain multiple metallic connectors or pins on the underside. The
CPU is inserted directly into a CPU socket, pin side down, on the motherboard.