Microcontrollers and Microprocessors - Brain behind Embedded Systems

Embedded system is found on all electronic devices, ranging from mobile phones to high end servers. If software is the mind, this piece of hardware comprises the brain.

It is a collection of memory, sensors, camera modules, GPS chip, address/data bus etc... soldered to a PCB to perform a specific, or multiple tasks

But there is one thing missing. Of course, the main component which controls all these smaller units. The Microcontrollers. But in certain cases, Microprocessors are also used. So, what is the difference between the two?

Microcontroller

Used in the majority of all embedded systems, these are chipsets which perform a specific function.

For example, Anti-lock braking system (ABS) in automobiles, Automatic Lighting in smart homes, Medical Devices etc...

Microcontrollers comes inbuilt with a processor, memory (Data and Program) and input/output peripherals.

Data coming from the input peripheral is temporarily stored in the Data memory. The processor then uses this data, to execute the instruction (Program memory) and, pass the result, to the output peripheral.

Microcontrollers consume very low power and is compact in size.

Microprocessors

A single unit which can perform multiple functions. This perfectly sums it up. Microprocessors are capable of handling multiple tasks at any given time, both arithmetic and logical.

A single chip contains thousands of transistors packaged together, using Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) technology. However, they need access to external memory units and don't come inbuilt with the same. The power usage is also very high, with need for better cooling systems.

Intel i3, i5, i7 are all examples of a high-end microprocessor.

Both having their advantages, depending on the system, both microcontrollers and microprocessors are widely used. This can be as at times as standalone, or in conjunction.