Microprocessor is an electronic , logical, clock driven , programmable , register based processing device which takes instructions and data from memory and/or input, process on that and gives result to output and/or memory.



In a microprocessor based system , microprocessor is combined with memory and input/output devices through system buses storage memory.

Each microprocessor has a fixed set of instructions in the form of binary pattern called machine language, which is further simplified by giving abbreviated names, called menmonics.

Step-by-step growth in the hardware as well as in software divides the growth of computers in four different generations.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is responsible to perform arithmetic and logical operations.

The control and timing signals are generated by the control unit.

Mainframe computers are high speed computer and their word length generally ranges from 32 to 64 bits. The faster and most powerful mainframes are also known as super computers.

Minicomputers are smaller in size as compared to mainframes and can be fit in a single rack or base.

Microcomputers can be classified in four groups :   

Personal Computer (PC)

Workstation

Single board microcomputer

Microcontroller