3/25/14

Microprocessors - The Most Essential Device for Endless Applications

Expert Author Joe Faruqui
About Microprocessors:
By definition, a microprocessor is a multipurpose, programmable device that takes digital data as comments, processes according to a set of instructions stored in memory, and returns results as output. Every action or command you input into a computer goes through this same basic process to get the results, a process which is most likely an afterthought for most of us. Microprocessors use sequential digital logic and operates on numbers and symbols with the binary numeral system, which is a base-2 numeral system using only 0 and 1. Microprocessors merge all the functions of a central processing unit (CPU) on one or at most a few integrated circuits.
Significance of Microprocessors:
Microprocessors are undeniably the most essential device in the world as we know it today. You are using a microprocessor at this very moment to read this article. Nowadays, all modern computers are microprocessors by definition, thereby making the prefix micro redundant. The way that processors have transformed society is due largely in part to the introduction of low-cost computers on integrated circuits. Personal computers are general purpose microprocessors that are used for text editing, multimedia display, computation, and communication on the Internet, something we are all familiar with. In addition, embedded systems use microprocessors, which give control over a huge variety of devices, from appliances and mobile phones to cars and the entire industrial process.
History and Quick Advancements till Date:
The very first microprocessor, the 4-bit microprocessor 4004, was introduced by Intel back in 1971, followed shortly there after by the 8-bit microprocessor 8008 in 1972. The very first processors used small to medium-scale ICs that each contained anywhere between ten to a few hundred transistors. As technology advanced, the entire CPU can be integrated on a single IC, which greatly reduced the cost of processors. Single-chip processors also increase reliability and decrease the risk of failing electrical connections. Now that microprocessors are integrated on very small ICs, many older forms of computers are completely obsolete. In fact, only a handful of microprocessors are used in everything from handheld devices to the largest supercomputers. At the rate of present technology, the capacity of microprocessors doubles every two years.
Most Popular Processor Families:
These are some of the most popular processor families, most of which you probably recognize, as they are used in your own computer:
  • AMD K8
  • AMD K10
  • Bulldozer
  • Xeon
  • Core i7
  • Core 2
  • Core i5
  • Pentium Dual-core
  • K7
  • Bobcat
  • Core i3
  • Jaguar
  • Pentium 4
  • Celeron Dual-Core
  • Celeron
  • Atom
  • Pentium
  • Pentium III
  • Pentium D
  • Celeron M
  • Core Duo
  • Celeron D
  • 68000
  • 8080

A majority of these are Intel products, and understandably so, as it is arguable that Intel is one of the largest producers and designers of microprocessors today.
You can browse on the web for leading distributors of all types of Computer Microprocessor Parts from a comprehensive list of manufacturers. On these sites, you can get tier 1 pricing from manufacturers which pass selected savings to you.
I have a wide experience as a purchasing consultant for Computer and Hardware Industry. In this article I share my experience and knowledge to help you choose the Best Computer Microprocessor Components.
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