Microprocessor vs Microcontroller:

A microprocessor is an integrated circuit that has all the functions of a computer, except
memory & input/output systems. The IC thus includes the instruction , ALU, registers &
control functions. A microcontroller is differed from microprocessor in many ways. A
microcontroller is a highly integrated chip that contains all components comprising a
controller. Typically, this includes a CPU, RAM, some form of ROM, I/O ports, &
timers. A microcontroller is designed for a very specific task-to control a particular
system. Microcontrollers are sometimes are called embedded microcontrollers, which
means that they are part of an embedded system. μP differs from μC in :

Architecture :

                                                                    microprocessor

microcontroller

2. Applications :

MICROCONTROLLERS:-

a. microcontrollers are well suited for systems that require a small component count.

b.  Applications are relatively small and suited to very precise tasks.

c.  Relatively simple I/O control.

d. microcontroller are for application specific task .

MICROPROCESSORS:-

a. microcontrollers are well suited for systems that require a large component count.

b.  Applications are relatively large and suited to many tasks.

c.  Relatively complex I/O control.

d. microcontroller are for general specific task .

3. Instruction Set Features :

uP’s:

a. They are processing intensive – work with large quantities of data.

b.  Instruction sets are tailored to nibble, byte and word manipulation.

c.  Addressing provides access to large arrays of data.

uC’s:

a. Instruction Set catered to I/O, including bit manipulation – set, clear, logical

operations.

b.  Instructions are compact, many 1 byte

c.  Computer have a large RAM to ROM ratio for O/S, applications and data.

d.  uC’s have a large ROM to RAM ratio since programs are stored on ROM and very

little data storage is typical.