What is the difference between CPU and Microprocessor?
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migrated from stackoverflow.com Jan 10 '11 at 16:48
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A microprocessor is essentially a processor that happens to be on a chip (or a small number of chips), as opposed to one made from a large number of individual components. As foo says, properly CPU refers to the main processor(s) of a system, though most of the time we call any processor that is typically used in this way a CPU. For example, we might refer to the Z80 processor in a Sega Mega Drive/Genesis as a CPU even though it actually serves as an auxiliary to the main processor, which is a more powerful Motorola 68k. (I believe the Z80 is often used to control the music and sound effects, though there is no reason why it would have to be used at all in a particular game.) For an example of a CPU that is not a microprocessor, take a look at this 4-bit CPU:
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In everyday use: nothing, just the name. If you want to be correct: a CPU is the "main" microprocessor, if you have several combined - the one that controls the others. Hence, Central Processing Unit. | |||
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A CPU ("central processing unit") is the core of a computer or a microprocesso, typically containing a "arithmetic/logical unit (ALU)" that does the computational work, an instruction fetcher, decoder and executer. A microprocessor is a packaged electronic component containing a CPU, I/O, and memory access circuits. | |||
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In general I would say they're the same thing in casual conversation, but if you wanted to be pedantic, a CPU would probably be considered a specific type of microprocessor. | |||
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Processor is a part of computer that interprets(executes) instructions and the microprocessor is a CPU just on one Chip. | |||
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In order to me they are synonims, you can exchange the use even in technical discussions | |||
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The term microprocessor is larger than CPU. Microprocessor includes more stuff than just CPU. | |||
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microprocessor is small device .arithmatic unite and control unite same ebut memory is secound part cpu is three part one is arithmatic unite secount one is control unite add thard one is memory | |||
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