Introduction to microprocessors |
| Written by Michael D. | |
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The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the most important chip in any system. It's considered to be the brain of the computer.
The first microprocessor was introduced in 1970 by Intel (named 4004). It ran at the speed of 108KHz. Four years later, Intel created the 8080 running at just over 2 Mhz. This microprocessor was used on the world's firs personal computer, named Altair. Also at this time, IBM started researching for their microprocessor, called POWER (Performance Optimization With Enhanced RISC).
Motorola created their 68000 series of microprocessors in 1979. These were implemented later in the Macintosh computer by Apple.
Fetching involves getting an instruction from the program memory. An instruction is represented tipically by a sequence of numbers (eg. 101000101). This fetching operation forced reaserching for better memory technologies; the memory was slow enough to make the microprocessor's power unusable.
Removing or adding a microprocessor can be a easy and safe operation if one knows what he is doing. It has a system called ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) that protects the processor's pins. As a caution, just remember to try not to touch the golden pins when working with a processor. After inserting it, it's wise to use a drop of thermal conductor paste betwen the microprocessor and a heatsink, to allow thermal transfer in the best conditions possible. Overheating due to heavy usage with poor ventilation will make the system instable and can harm it permantly.
These type of processors usually had no ventilation, since their surface was large enough to cool itself. In the 1990s, when both slot and socket were used, some adapters also appeared on the market, like slot card with socket.
written by za , November 18, 2007
what does microprocessor speed depend on? 8051 data bus system depend on expanded mode.
written by Malik , February 14, 2008
good side
written by Jameerdeen Nizar , February 20, 2008
what is the diffrent between the old and new Microprocessor? Please compare the two companies microprocessor?
written by Jameerdeen Nizar , February 20, 2008
how the microprocessor coordinate the other component?
written by kunal , March 15, 2008
very good
written by shahbaz , April 02, 2008
microprocessor archetacture
written by ARUN , April 04, 2008
I AM INTERESTED YOUR PROCESSOR NOTE BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW FREEQUENCY LIKE 8008 &4004 THANK YOU Do you need more help? Ask now!
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 23 June 2007 ) |