Over several decades of development, the microprocessor has come a long way from an object of application in highly specialized areas to a product of wide exploitation. Today, in one form or another, these devices, together with controllers, are used in almost any field of production. In a broad sense, microprocessor technology provides control and automation processes, but within this direction, new areas for the development of high-tech devices are being formed and approved, up to the appearance of signs of artificial intelligence.
General understanding of microprocessors
Managing or controlling certain processes requires appropriate software support on a real technical basis. In this capacity, one or a set of chips on basic matrix crystals acts. For practical needs, chip-set modules are almost always used, that is, chipsets that are connected by a common power system,signals, information processing formats, and so on. In the scientific interpretation, as noted in the theoretical foundations of microprocessor technology, such devices are a place (main memory) for storing operands and commands in an encoded form. Direct control is implemented at a higher level, but also through microprocessor integrated circuits. Controllers are used for this.
One can only talk about controllers in relation to microcomputers or microcomputers consisting of microprocessors. Actually, this is a working technique, in principle capable of performing certain operations or commands within the framework of a given algorithm. As noted in the textbook on microprocessor technology by S. N. Liventsov, a microcontroller should be understood as a computer focused on performing logical operations as part of equipment control. It is based on the same schemes, but with a limited computing resource. The task of the microcontroller to a greater extent is to implement responsible, but simple procedures without complex circuits. However, such devices cannot be called technologically primitive either, since in modern industries microcontrollers can simultaneously control hundreds and even thousands of operations at the same time, taking into account the indirect parameters of their execution. In general, the logical structure of the microcontroller is designed with power, versatility and reliability in mind.
Architecture
Developers of microprocessor devices are dealing with a setfunctional components, which eventually form a single working complex. Even a simple microcomputer model provides for the use of a number of elements that ensure the fulfillment of the tasks assigned to the machine. The way of interaction between these components, as well as the means of communication with input and output signals, largely determine the architecture of the microprocessor. As for the very concept of architecture, it is expressed in different definitions. This can be a set of technical, physical and operational parameters, including the number of memory registers, bit depth, speed, and so on. But, in accordance with the theoretical foundations of microprocessor technology, architecture in this case should be understood as the logical organization of functions implemented in the process of interconnected operation of hardware and software stuffing. More specifically, the microprocessor architecture reflects the following:
- The set of physical elements that form a microprocessor, as well as the connections between its functional blocks.
- Formats and methods of providing information.
- Channels for accessing structure modules available for use with parameters for their further use.
- Operations that a particular microprocessor can perform.
- Characteristics of control commands generated or received by the device.
- Reactions to signals from outside.
External interfaces
The microprocessor is rarely seen as an isolated system forexecuting one-word commands in a static format. There are devices that process one signal according to a given scheme, but most often microprocessor technology works with a large number of communication links from sources that are themselves not linear in terms of processed commands. To organize interaction with third-party equipment and data sources, special connection formats are provided - interfaces. But first you need to determine what exactly is being communicated with. As a rule, controlled devices act in this capacity, that is, a command is sent to them from the microprocessor, and in the feedback mode, data on the status of the executive body can be received.
As for external interfaces, they serve not only for the possibility of interaction of a certain executive mechanism, but also for its integration into the structure of the control complex. With regard to complex computer and microprocessor technology, this can be a whole set of hardware and software tools closely related to the controller. Moreover, microcontrollers often combine the functions of processing and issuing commands with the tasks of providing communication between microprocessors and external devices.
Microprocessor specifications
The main characteristics of microprocessor devices include the following:
- Clock frequency. Time period during which computer components are switched.
- Width. The number of maximum possible for simultaneous processing of binarydigits.
- Architecture. Placement configuration and ways of interaction of working elements of the microprocessor.
The nature of the operational process can also be judged by the criteria of regularity with the mainness. In the first case, we are talking about how we implement the principle of regular repeatability in a particular unit of computer microprocessor technology. In other words, what is the conditional percentage of links and work items that duplicate each other. Regularity can also be applied in general to the structure of the schema organization within the same data processing system.
Backbone indicates the method of data exchange between the internal modules of the system, also affecting the nature of the ordering of links. Combining the principles of backbone and regularity, it is possible to develop a strategy for creating microprocessors unified to a certain standard. This approach has the advantage of facilitating communication organization at different levels in terms of interaction through interfaces. On the other hand, standardization does not allow expanding the capabilities of the system and increasing its resistance to external loads.
Memory in microprocessor technology
Storage of information is organized with the help of special storage devices made of semiconductors. This applies to internal memory, but external optical and magnetic media can also be used. Also, data storage elements based on semiconductor materials can be represented as integrated circuits, whichincluded in the microprocessor. Such memory cells are used not only for storing programs, but also for servicing the memory of the central processor with controllers.
If we take a deeper look at the structural basis of memory devices, then circuits made of metal, dielectric and silicon semiconductor will come to the fore. Metal, oxide and semiconductor components are used as dielectrics. The level of integration of the storage device is determined by the targets and characteristics of the hardware. In digital microprocessor technology with the provision of a video memory function, noise immunity, stability, speed, and so on are also added to the universal requirements for reliable integration and compliance with electrical parameters. Bipolar digital microcircuits are the optimal solution in terms of performance criteria and integration versatility, which, depending on the current tasks, can also be used as a trigger, processor or inverter.
Functions
The range of functions is largely based on the tasks that the microprocessor will solve within a particular process. The universal set of functions in a generalized version can be represented as follows:
- Reading data.
- Data processing.
- Exchange of information with internal memory, modules or external connected devices.
- Record data.
- Data input and output.
The meaning of each of the aboveoperations is determined by the context of the overall system in which the device is used. For example, within the framework of arithmetic-logical operations, electronic and microprocessor technology, as a result of processing input information, can present new information, which, in turn, will become the reason for one or another command signal. It is also worth noting the internal functionality, due to which the operating parameters of the processor itself, controller, power supply, actuators and other modules operating within the control system are regulated.
Device manufacturers
The origins of the creation of microprocessor devices were Intel engineers who released a whole line of 8-bit microcontrollers based on the MCS-51 platform, which are still used in some areas today. Also, many other manufacturers used the x51 family for their own projects as part of the development of new generations of electronics and microprocessor technology, among the representatives of which are domestic developments like the single-chip computer K1816BE51.
Having entered the segment of more complex processors, Intel gave way to microcontrollers to other companies, including Analog Device and Atmel. Zilog, Microchip, NEC and others offer a fundamentally new look at microprocessor architecture. Today, in the context of the development of microprocessor technology, the x51, AVR and PIC lines can be considered the most successful. If we talk about development trends, then these days the firstthe requirements for expanding the range of internal control tasks, compactness and low power consumption are out of place. In other words, microcontrollers are getting smaller and smarter in terms of maintenance, but at the same time increasing their power potential.
Maintenance of microprocessor-based equipment
In accordance with regulations, microprocessor systems are serviced by teams of workers led by an electrician. The main maintenance tasks in this area include the following:
- Fixing failures in the process of system operation and their analysis to determine the causes of the violation.
- Prevent device and component failures through assigned scheduled maintenance.
- Repair device failures by repairing damaged parts or replacing them with serviceable similar parts.
- Production of timely repair of system components.
Direct maintenance of microprocessor technology can be complex or minor. In the first case, a list of technical operations is combined, regardless of their labor intensity and level of complexity. With a small-scale approach, the emphasis is on the individualization of each operation, that is, individual repair or maintenance actions are performed in an isolated format from the point of view of the organization in accordance with the technological map. The disadvantages of this method are associated with high workflow costs, which may not be economically justified within a large-scale system. On the other hand, small-scale serviceimproves the quality of technical support for equipment, minimizing the risk of its further failure along with individual components.
Use of microprocessor technology
Before the widespread introduction of microprocessors in various areas of industry, domestic and national economy, there are fewer and fewer barriers. This is again due to the optimization of these devices, their reduction in cost and the growing need for automation elements. Some of the most common uses for these devices include:
- Industry. Microprocessors are used in work management, machine coordination, control systems and production performance collection.
- Trade. In this area, the operation of microprocessor technology is associated not only with computational operations, but also with the maintenance of logistics models in the management of goods, stocks, and information flows.
- Security systems. Electronics in modern security and alarm complexes sets high requirements for automation and intelligent control, which allows us to provide microprocessors of new generations.
- Communication. Of course, communication technologies cannot do without programmable controllers serving multiplexers, remote terminals and switching circuits.
A few words in conclusion
A wide audience of consumers can not fully imagine even today'scapabilities of microprocessor technology, but manufacturers do not stand still and are already considering promising directions for the development of these products. For example, the computer industry rule is still well maintained, according to which every two years the number of transistors in processor circuits will decrease. But modern microprocessors can boast not only structural optimization. Experts also predict many innovations in terms of the organization of new circuitry, which will facilitate the technological approach to the development of processors and reduce their base cost.
