Microprocessor

Systems
Microprocessor Systems
 Definition: A complete electronic system built
around the microprocessor to support the
microprocessor operation.
 May consist of CPU, memory, I/O (disk drives,
keyboard, mouse), system bus, and supporting
circuitry.
 CPU as the “brain” – controls actions of all
components.
Microprocessor System - PC

ROM Floppy RAM

Supporting
CD-ROM CPU Circuitry

Keyboard Mouse HDD

Microprocessor System - Calculator

Memory

Power Supply CPU LCD Display

Keypad
System Bus
 A µP-based system consists of many
components:
 CPU.
 Memory.
 I/O:disk drives, keyboard, mouse.
 System Bus.
 Supporting circuitry.
 All components communicate using System Bus.
System Bus
 Communication “highway” for all
components.
 Contains:
 Data lines.
 Address lines.
 Control lines: regulate information transfer,
interrupts, error signals.
Block Diagram

Interrupt
Parallel I/O Serial I/O
Circuit

System Bus

Timing CPU Memory

The CPU CPU

 “Master” of all components.

 Job:
 Get instructions from memory.
 Execute instructions.
 Perform calculations (may use math co-
processor).
 Control bus operations.
The CPU
 CPU consists of:
 ALU (Arithmetic/Logic Unit):
 Performs arithmetic/ logic computations.
 CU (Control Unit):
 Responsible to retrieve instructions, analyze, then
execute.
 Registers:
 Fast internal storage.
 Used to temporarily store addresses, data,

processor status.
Memory Memory

 Stores instructions and data for CPU.

 Each memory location given unique
address.
 CPU refers to address to access.
 Types:
 Read-Only Memory (ROM).
 Random-Access Memory (RAM).
 Non-Volatile Memory (NVM).
RAM, ROM and NVM
ROM
Stores start-up
instructions and critical
system data and
variables.
Memory NVM

Stores general data

RAM and applications
ROM
 Read-Only Memory:
 Data can be read, but cannot be written (read-only).
 Contents stay without power (non-volatile).
 Usually contains basic start-up instructions, data.
 Contents hard-wired during manufacturing.
 Newer versions can be reprogrammed:
 PROM: Fuse & anti-fuse.
 EPROM: UV light.
 EEPROM: Electrical current.
ROM Examples

EEPROM Programmer

EPROM
Quartz Window
NVM
 Non-Volatile Memory
 Contents can be read and written.
 Contents stay without power (non-volatile).
 Advantages:
 Keeps memory even with no power.
 Data is protected against blackouts.
 Rewriteable.
 Disadvantages:
 Slower than RAM.
RAM
 Random Access Memory.
 Contents can be read and written.
 Loses data without electrical power (volatile).
 Advantages:
 Programs can be loaded and reloaded.
 Larger capacity.
 Disadvantages:
 Requires power, refresh cycles.
RAM vs. ROM

RAM is still empty

because the computer
has just been started.
Computer is CPU looks for
turned on instructions from
memory

CPU loads
instructions
from ROM.
RAM vs. ROM

RAM loads more

advanced functions, such
ROM only has basic as the OS.
functions to start the computer.
Timing Circuit Timing

 Synchronizes all components in the system.

 All
components refer to the clock timing for
operations.
 Generates square waves at constant intervals.
 Crystal oscillator + timing circuitry.
 Higher clock speed allow computers to function
faster.
Crystal Oscillator
Symbol

Equivalent Circuit

Sample
Clock Signal

T T T
Clock Signal vs. Processing Speed

 Instruction CLR.W D7 takes 4 cycles to

complete.

Slow clock speed

Fast clock speed time

I/O
 Input/Output.
 Connects µP with external devices:
 Add functionality to µP.
 Interfaces with µP using ports.
 Examples:
 Keyboard.
 Mouse.
 Display monitor.
How do ports connect to system
bus?

Built into board

Using card slots.

Serial I/O Serial I/O

 Sends/receives data sequentially across 2 channels.

 One for receive, one for transmit.
 Connects using serial ports.
 Advantages:
 Less crosstalk.
 Disadvantages:
 Slow.
 Needs special circuit to convert back to parallel (UART –
Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter).
Serial Port
Parallel I/O Parallel I/O

 Sends/receives data across multiple lines at one

time.
 Connects using parallel ports.
 Advantages:
 Fasterthan serial.
 Simpler circuits – doesn’t need UART.
 Disadvantages:
 Crosstalk.
Parallel Port
Parallel vs. Serial I/O
1011011010101010011010101010100011101100101 Receive
1011011010101010011010101010100011101100101 Transmit

Serial Port

1011011010101010011010101010100011101100101 Receive/Transmit
1011011010101010011010101010100011101100101 Receive/Transmit
1011011010101010011010101010100011101100101 Receive/Transmit
.
.
Parallel Port
UART
1
From Device 1001 0 To System Bus
UART
0
1

1
To Device 1001 0 From System Bus
UART
0
1
Interrupt Circuit Interrupt
Circuit

 Allows other components to “interrupt” normal

CPU operation:
 Prioritize
CPU tasks.
 Error detection mechanism.
 Accept inputs from devices – keystroke, mouse press.
 Depends on task importance:
 Importanttasks given higher interrupts.
 Less important tasks queued.
 CPU keeps track of current interrupt level.
How Interrupts Work
CPU Device

1. CPU is performing 2. Device has more

tasks normally. important task that requires
immediate attention.

4. CPU saves its current task 3. Device requests interrupt from

so that it can return to it CPU.
when the interrupt completes.

5. CPU services the interrupt.

6. CPU reloads saved task,

and resumes normally.