✴A silicon chip that contains a CPU. In the world of personal computers, the terms microprocessor and CPU are used interchangeably. At the heart of all personal computers and most workstations sits a microprocessor. Microprocessors also control the logic of almost all digital devices, from clock radios to fuel-injection system for automobiles.✴
❰ Three basic characteristics differentiate microprocessors: ❱
► Instruction set: The set of instructions that the microprocessor can execute.
► bandw…
✴A silicon chip that contains a CPU. In the world of personal computers, the terms microprocessor and CPU are used interchangeably. At the heart of all personal computers and most workstations sits a microprocessor. Microprocessors also control the logic of almost all digital devices, from clock radios to fuel-injection system for automobiles.✴
❰ Three basic characteristics differentiate microprocessors: ❱
► Instruction set: The set of instructions that the microprocessor can execute.
► bandwidth : The number of bits processed in a single instruction.
► clock speed : Given in megahertz (MHz), the clock speed determines how many instructions per second the processor can execute.
✦In both cases, the higher the value, the more powerful the CPU. For example, a 32-bit microprocessor that runs at 50MHz is more powerful than a 16-bit microprocessor that runs at 25MHz.✦
✦In addition to bandwidth and clock speed, microprocessors are classified as being either RISC (reduced instruction set computer) or CISC(complex instruction set computer).✦