A microprocessor is a computer processor where the data processing logic and control is included on a single integrated circuit (IC), or a small number of ICs. The microprocessor contains the arithmetic, logic, and control circuitry required to perform the functions of a computer's central processing unit (CPU). The microprocessor is a multipurpose, clock-driven, register-based, digital integrated circuit that accepts binary data as input, processes it according to instructions stored in its memory, and provides results (also in binary form) as output.

A microprocessor is a general - purpose entity. Several specialized processing devices have followed:
A digital signal processor (DSP)is specialized for signal processing.
Graphics processing units (GPUs) are processors designed primarily for realtime rendering of images.
Other specialized units exist for video processing and machine vision. (See: Hardware acceleration.)
Microcontrollers in embedded systems and peripheral devices.
Systems on chip (SoCs) often integrate one or more microprocessor and microcontroller cores with other components such as radio modems, and are used in smartphones and tablet computers.

Common Brands:

Microchip Technology

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (NXP Semiconductors)


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