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| + | == Definition == |
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| − | A '''microprocessor''' is a [[computer chip]] containing essentially a miniature [[computer]], which is capable of performing arithmetic, logic and control functions. |
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| + | A '''microprocessor''' is "[a] [[central processing unit]] [[implement]]ed on a single [[chip]]."<ref>ATIS Telecom Glossary 2012 ([http://www.atis.org/glossary/definition.aspx?id=3634 full-text]).</ref> |
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| + | == Overview == |
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| + | Three basic characteristics differentiate microprocessors: |
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| + | * '''[[Instruction set]]:''' The set of [[instruction]]s that the microprocessor can [[execute]]. |
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| + | * '''[[Bandwidth]]:''' The number of [[bit]]s processed in a single [[instruction]]. |
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| + | * '''[[Clock speed]]:''' Given in [[megahertz]] ([[MHz]]), the clock speed determines how many [[instruction]]s per second the processor can [[execute]]. |
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| + | == References == |
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| + | <references /> |
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[[Category:Hardware]] |
[[Category:Hardware]] |
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| + | [[Category:Computing]] |
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| + | [[Category:Definition]] |
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Latest revision as of 01:59, 19 December 2012
Definition[]
A microprocessor is "[a] central processing unit implemented on a single chip."[1]
Overview[]
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.