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UPDATED ✅ A microprocessor is a hardware component that executes the processes for the computer to work ⭐ ENTER HERE ⭐ and Learn more about the subject
Today the use of computers is so widespread that many times we forget, or leave aside, knowing fully each of the components that make the computer possible. functioning of these marvels of technology.
In this post we will update you on everything that has to do with the microprocessora component without which it would be impossible to achieve everything you can do with your computer. You will understand all of this as you immerse yourself in reading our installment today, since we will walk through aspects such as the functions of the microprocessor, its applications in computing and features more important that accompany it.
Likewise, you will find out information about his history and evolutionin addition to knowing in a chronological way the release to the market of some of the microprocessors that have left a mark in the computer world.
What is a microprocessor and what is it used for in computing?
The most common way to conceptualize the microprocessor is to refer to it as the brain of the computer. This gives us a clear idea about its vital importance in the functioning of the computer, since without him it would be impossible carry out most of the operations that occur on the computer.
Commonly called a processor, it is integrated into the motherboard of the computer, passing through it all the simple arithmetic and/or logical operations, even binary logics and memory accesses. Thus makes it possible to run programswhich range from a particular operating system to user applications through software.
Likewise, we must know that a microprocessor can be compound by hundreds of thousands of integrated circuits within a silicon chip or wafer. This chip is attached to the CPU motherboard through a socket together with an anti-heating system, which is made up of an internal fan and materials specially designed to dissipate heat.
At this point we must stop at the method for manufacturing a processor, which originates from a far from simple process. It all starts with extracting the silicon from the quartz-containing sand in sufficient quantities to meet the requirements to unequivocally optimize the final product.
Regarding the performance of microprocessors, we must point out that although there is no established metric for this purpose, it is possible to affirm that everything will depend on the demands to which they can be subjected depending on the equipment where they are installed.
The 10 best-selling microprocessors
Next we show you a list with the 10 best-selling Microprocessors of the moment so you can choose the best one for your PC.
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What are the main functions of a microprocessor in a computer?
Before addressing directly the main functions that the microprocessor is capable of performing in computers, it is important to point out that today this is by far the product of the technology industry most used by everyone in the world. This is because it is necessary in the operation of a wide range of everyday devices.
Its operation for a perfect staged synchronization, so that everything happens as planned in its design. This is thanks to a clock that coordinates everything that takes place in the functional blocks.
To illustrate a little more about the process, we will tell you that the microprocessor is connected to a high-performance PLL circuit that helps it to execute the stored instructions in the form of binary figures in its main memory.
The process starts with the receipt of instruction, its decoding and search for compatible programs to execute the command; Once this is done, it proceeds to the analysis of the supplied data; and, finally, it shows us the final results of the entire process before moving on to the next order, in a measured time in fractions of a second.
What are the most important characteristics that define a microprocessor?
To talk about the features common to all microprocessors, it is necessary to do so by describing part of its architecture. So to fully comply with its operation, each part must comply with special characteristics.
Here we present them in more detail:
- encapsulated: This is the jacket or cover that serves as a protector for the silicon chip in which the small device has been manufactured. This ensures that it is free from dirt particles and oxidation by oxygen.
- Cache: this part of the microprocessor is responsible for saving data that can be used immediately without the need to go to the RAM, with which response times are reduced between one instruction and the next. That gives it ultra-fast memory properties.
- Math Coprocessor: We could define it as the brain of the processor, since in this section the mathematical calculations are carried out. It acts as a floating point unit.
- Records: It is a sort of small memory made up of two groups that total 32 registers, each group dedicated to the control of specific functions within the microprocessor. One of the groups has been designed to prevent the processor from going out of control autonomously; while another serves to help the CPUs on some tasks.
- Memory: It is the part that the device goes to when it receives an instruction, since it is where the programs and their data are stored.
- ports: These are in charge of maintaining a constant and coordinated link between all the other components of the computer. In other words, they are the ones that call the different circuits and other parts of the system into action when they are required.
History and evolution of the microprocessor. When and who invented them?
Although it should be made clear that the microprocessor derives from technologies that began around the 1950s, such as computing and the field of semiconductors, it is also good to note that its birth dates from 1971. It was in that year when the fusion of the preceding technologies resulted in the semis as we know them today.
Marcian E Hoffwho at the time worked for the Intel company, is considered the father of this brilliant invention, which undoubtedly came to revolutionize the world of computing and become an essential tool for many tasks in modern life.
It should also be noted that engineer Hoff had the collaboration of his colleagues Federico Faggin, Stanley Mazor and Masatoshi Shima, whom history recognizes as co-inventors. However, it must be clear that the paternity of the invention has always been attributed to Hoff, since he was the one who presented the proposal in 1969.
The invention became the 4-bit Intel 4004, the first commercial microprocessor. It was a programmable processor, assembled with 2,300 transistors in a single capsule, which very soon ceased to be sufficient for the requirements that advances in information technology were beginning to demand.
Of course, the above brought as a consequence the search for improvements in design and capabilities, with which the microprocessor began its evolution until the amazing developments that we know today. But we will develop this topic in more detail in the next section.
Chronology of the most important microprocessors in the history of computing
In this part we will leave you a sample of the processors that have marked a milestone in the unstoppable evolution of microprocessors, that have now been able to reduce their scale of integration, from micro beginnings, to nanometric:
Intel 4004
As we have said before, it is the first microprocessor marketed worldwide. It was capable of addressing 4096 locations, with its 4-bit memory. Its architecture allowed it to perform up to a maximum of 60,000 operations every secondthanks to the fact that it could work at a clock frequency of about 700 KHz.
One of its limitations, which eventually led decisively to the search for improvements in the system, was that could only serve one set of 45 different instructions. This did not allow it to serve too many applications, so it was initially only used for resource-constrained applications.
Intel 8008
Introduced in mid-1972, the 8008 was intended to be used effectively in computer terminals. In their small capsule they were integrated 3300 transistorswhich gives us an idea of the progress made for this moment.
It should be noted that it inaugurated the era of 8-bit microprocessors, which made it possible to expand memory up to 16 KBytes. In this way he was able to process up to 48 additional instructionsat clock frequencies up to 800 KHz.
Intel 8080
It came out in 1973, and was intended for countless uses. Although it was still an 8-bit microprocessor, the developers managed to make it address a larger amount of memory. In this way it was already able to execute the instructions in 10 times less time than its predecessor.
In addition, the 8080 was a big step in reaching the interconnection with most standard components of the TTL type, thanks to the compatibility of this microprocessor with said calculation logic.
SC/PM
Introduced in 1974 by the company National Semiconductor, quickly achieved great popularity thanks to its low cost. It was equipped with an 8-bit data bus in combination with a 16-bit address bus.
Another reason for its great acceptance has to do with the fact that the released buses could be shared by more than one processor simultaneously, being the first to have this feature.
Motorola 6800
In order not to be left behind in the race for computer developments, the company Motorola presented this proposal in 1975, which was incorporated in a significant number of early microcomputers that were already beginning to be seen in those years of the mid-70s.
It marked an important milestone in the evolution of microprocessors, since it was the first to be equipped with a index record. Several of the most recognized microprocessors of this brand have been derived from it.
Intel 8086
The first 16-bit microprocessor, the 8086, hit the market in 1978 and undoubtedly meant a gigantic advance in the world of computing. Its 29,000 transistors allow it to execute instructions in just 400 nanoseconds. It was the first capable of running 1 Mbyte of memory.
At the time of its launch, applications capable of working with 16 bits were practically non-existent, so the manufacturer was forced to present its model 8088with the idea of maintaining their share of the market.
Intel 80386
Here we are already talking about a microprocessor of 32 bit, marketed in the mid-1980s. Thanks to the fact that it had 275,000 transistors, it could reach speeds of 33 MHz. Its memory space was 4 GByte.
Among its innovations is the simplification of implementing operating systems that require virtual memory, this through the page translation unit built into this chip.
DEC Alpha (AXP)
Undoubtedly a revolution in the world of microprocessors, it was equipped with a RISC instruction set capable of 64 bit, specifically dedicated to floating point calculation. From then on, computers were able to represent real numbers with greater efficiency.
It should also be noted that after its appearance, in 1992microprocessors began to be designed to operate on registersso the RAM memory was only needed for the load and store instructions.
Intel Pentium
This is a microprocessor 64 bit, which made its introduction in 1993. Although the DEC Alpha came out before it in 1992, Pentium became more popular because it was much cheaper than its rival. In the manufacture of each unit They were used 3,100,000 transistors for a memory capacity of 4 GBytes, and a working frequency of 66 MHz.
Pentium no doubt has marked time in the technological sphere, being a widely used name in the computing spectrum. There are many developments based on its 64-bit data bus.
Although these that we have presented to you have marked a before and after In the unstoppable evolution of microprocessors, there have been and will continue to emerge more amazing every day, so that at this time we have a quantity and variety of them for use in different fields.
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