Mikroprotsessorites

Mikroprotsessorites, or microprocessors, are central processing units that are implemented on a single integrated circuit or a few connected chips. They execute instructions to perform computation and control tasks within computers and a wide range of embedded systems. A typical microprocessor integrates an arithmetic logic unit, registers, a control unit, and often cache memory and interfaces to memory and input/output.

Microprocessors operate according to an instruction set architecture (ISA) that defines the supported operations, data types, and addressing modes. They execute instructions through a fetch-decode-execute cycle: fetch an instruction from memory, decode it to determine the required actions, execute those actions, and store results. Modern processors use techniques such as pipelining to overlap instruction stages and may include multiple cores to handle parallel workloads. They are usually designed to be compatible with larger memory hierarchies and peripheral interfaces.

History and varieties: The first widely recognized microprocessor was the Intel 4004 introduced in 1971. This era progressed from 8-bit processors such as the 8080 and Z80 to 16-, 32-, and 64-bit architectures. Architectures are commonly categorized as CISC (complex instruction set computer) or RISC (reduced instruction set computer). Notable families include x86 (Intel and AMD), ARM (dominant in mobile and embedded devices), MIPS, PowerPC, and the increasingly popular RISC-V.

Applications and manufacturing: Microprocessors power personal computers, smartphones, embedded systems, and industrial equipment. They are manufactured using CMOS semiconductor processes across a range of technology nodes, from tens of nanometers to larger scales. Features often include SIMD units, out-of-order execution, caches, memory management units, and various I/O controllers. Design goals emphasize performance, energy efficiency, and thermal management.

Impact: Microprocessors have driven a transformation of computing by enabling compact, affordable, programmable devices and complex systems. Ongoing development focuses on multicore and heterogeneous architectures, virtualization, security, and acceleration for specialized workloads.