microprocessor

microprocessor

1. It is the most complex central integrated circuit in a computer system; by way of illustration, it is often called by analogy the "brain" of a computer. It is in charge of executing all the programs, from the operating system to the user applications; It only executes instructions in binary language, performing simple arithmetic and logic operations, such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, binary logic and memory accesses.

   • It can contain one or more central processing units (CPU) consisting essentially of registers, a control unit, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and a floating point calculation unit
   • The microprocessor is generally connected through a specific socket on the computer's motherboard; Normally for its correct and stable operation, it incorporates a cooling system that consists of a heat sink, made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum, and one or more fans that eliminate excess heat absorbed. by the heatsink. Thermal paste is usually placed between the heatsink and the microprocessor capsule to improve heat conductivity. There are other more efficient methods, such as liquid cooling or the use of peltier cells for extreme cooling, but these techniques are used almost exclusively for special applications, such as overclocking.
   • Functioning
     • From a logical, singular and functional point of view, the microprocessor is basically composed of several registers: a control unit, a logical arithmetic unit and, depending on the processor, it can contain a floating point unit. The microprocessor executes instructions stored as sequentially organized binary numbers in main memory. The execution of the instructions can be carried out in several phases:
       • Prefetch, pre-reading of the instruction from the main memory.
         • Fetch, sending the instruction to the decoder
           • Decoding the instruction, that is, determining what instruction it is and therefore what should be done.
             • Read operands (if any).
               • Writing of results to main memory or registers
   • Performance
     • The performance of the processor can be measured in different ways, until a few years ago it was believed that the clock frequency was an accurate measure and today many people believe that the number of cores is due to the incorporation of several of them within the same encapsulated to increase performance through parallel computing, but these myths, known as the "megahertz myth" and the "core myth" have been debunked by the fact that processors have not always required higher frequencies and higher frequencies. larger numbers of cores to increase your computing power.
       • During the last years the frequency has remained in the range of 1.5 GHz to 4 GHz and the number of cores has reached 16 at the moment (2021), resulting in processors with higher processing capacities compared to the first that achieved those values. Anyway, a reliable way to measure the power of a processor is by obtaining the Instructions per cycle.
         • Measuring performance with the frequency and the number of cores is valid only between processors with very similar or equal architectures, so that their internal operation is the same: in that case the frequency and the number of cores is a valid comparison index. Within a family of processors it is common to find different options in terms of clock frequencies, because not all silicon chips have the same operating limits: they are tested at different frequencies, until they show signs of instability, then they are classified according to the results of the tests. .
   • Manufacturing
     • The microprocessor has an architecture similar to the digital computer. In other words, the microprocessor is like the digital computer in that they both perform calculations under a control program. Consequently, the history of the digital computer helps to understand the microprocessor. It made possible the manufacture of powerful calculators and many other products. The microprocessor uses the same type of logic that is used in the central processing unit (CPU) of a digital computer. The microprocessor is sometimes called a microprocessor unit (MPU). In other words, the microprocessor is a data processing unit. In a microprocessor different parts can be differentiated:
       • Encapsulated
         • it is what surrounds the silicon wafer itself, to give it consistency, prevent its deterioration (for example, by oxidation by air) and allow the connection with the external connectors that will connect it to its socket on the motherboard.
       • Cache
         • it is an ultrafast memory that uses the processor to have direct reach to certain data that "predictably" will be used in the following operations, without having to go to the RAM memory, thus reducing the waiting time for data acquisition. All PC-compatible mics have a so-called internal first-level or L1 cache; that is, the one inside the micro, encapsulated next to it. The most modern microphones (Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, etc.) also include another level of cache, larger, although somewhat less fast, is the second level cache or L2 and there are even those with cache memory level 3, or L3.
       • Records
         • son básicamente un tipo de memoria pequeña con fines especiales que el micro tiene disponible para algunos usos particulares. Hay varios grupos de registros en cada procesador. Un grupo de registros está diseñado para control del programador y hay otros que no son diseñados para ser controlados por el procesador pero que la CPU los utiliza en algunas operaciones, en total son treinta y dos registros.
       • Math coprocessor
         • unidad de coma flotante. Es la parte del micro especializada en esa clase de cálculos matemáticos, antiguamente estaba en el exterior del procesador en otro chip. Esta parte está considerada como una parte «lógica» junto con los registros, la unidad de control, memoria y bus de datos.
       • Memory
         • it is the place where the processor finds the instructions of the programs and their data. Both data and instructions are stored in memory, and the processor accesses them from there. Memory is an internal part of the computer and its essential function is to provide a storage space for work in progress.
       • ports
         • es la manera en que el procesador se comunica con el mundo externo. Un puerto es análogo a una línea de teléfono. Cualquier parte de la circuitería de la computadora con la cual el procesador necesita comunicarse, tiene asignado un «número de puerto» que el procesador utiliza como si fuera un número de teléfono para llamar circuitos o a partes especiales.

2. Matuk, J. (2009, Nov 02). Intel anuncia microprocesadores: [source: NoticiasFinancieras]. NoticiasFinancieras Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/wire-feeds/intel-anuncia-microprocesadores/docview/466631440/se-2?accountid=48797

3. Gary McWilliams in Austin, Tex. (1997, Dec 15). Microprocessors are for wimps: Motorola plans an end run around intel with systems-on-a-chip. Bloomberg Businessweek, , 134. Retrieved from https://searchproquest-com.ezproxy.uniminuto.edu/docview/236746944?accountid=48797

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