What is microcomputer? | PCB, Microprocessor, Software, Hardware,?

 

Main contents:

·         What is a microcomputer?

·         What is Printed Circuit Board PCB)

·         Structure of a computer

·         What are the main components of a computer?

·         Structure of a CPU

·         Schematic diagram of a mainboard

·         What is a microprocessor?

·         Impacts of the microprocessor

·         CPU vs. Microprocessor

·         What are the applications of microprocessors?

·         Main memory

·         Storage

·         What is hardware

·         What is software

·         What are the differences between hardware and software?

 

What is a Microcomputer?

A small, and a bit inexpensive computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU). It includes a microprocessor, memory, and minimal input/output (I/O) designed through circuit connections on a single printed circuit board (PCB

What is PCB (Printed Circuit Board)?

The printed circuit board (PCB) is made up of several layers, including a substrate, traces, a solder mask, and a silkscreen. Tracks are important because they carry electrical signals to various parts of the board. Outside, traces, PCB will not work. No PCB means that almost every single electronic device that transmits data is not working.

A photo of one side of a motherboard PCB, which shows conductive traces and solder points for through-hole components on the opposite side is shown below;

·         1mm-25mm on a side

·         100-1000M transistors

·         25-250M “logic gates”

The structure of a computer;

Computer(communication lines, Peripherals)	Systems interconnection	Central Processing Unit
		Main Memory
		Input/ Output

 

What are the main features of a computer?

Four main components of computer structure:

Central Processing Unit (CPU): controls computer performance and performs its data processing functions; commonly referred to as a processor.

Greater memory: saves data

Ø Input/output I / O): transfers data between a computer and its external environment.

ERC System Connectivity: The method of communication between CPU, memory, and Input / The output I / O).

What is the difference between Input / Output and Communication Lines?

When data is received from or transmitted by a device directly connected to a computer, the process is called Input/Output (I / O).

When data is transmitted over long distances to or from a remote device, the process is known as Data Communication.

· Mainboard: integrated circuits (ICs)

Ø CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Chip Partner chipset, e.g., GPU [card slot] (in the absence of an integrated GPU)

Ø Memory, e.g., RAM

Chip Peripheral I / O chip (e.g., USB, IDE, IEEE11394).

Inside a PC.

·       

  sto Storage Device (SSD, NVME SSD, HDD)

Hard disk, CD-RW DVD-RW, (floppy disk)

·         Chassis

Hold boards

Power supply unit

A physical interface for the user and other systems.

·         Cooling (CPU, Chassis)

Air-cooled, Liquid-cooled.

·         Display device, Monitor

·         Input devices, Mouse, Keyboard

·         Connectors and cables.

                                         The structure of a CPU:

CPU	Registers	Computer	Input/ Output
	Arithmetic and Login unit		System Bus
	Internal CPU Interconnection		CPU
	Control Unit		Memory

 

Main Components in a CPU:

·         Control Unit: controls the operations of the CPU and the computer

·         Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): performs the computer’s data processing functions.

·         Registers: provide storage internal to CPU

·         CPU interconnection: Mechanism that provides for communication among the control unit, ALU, and registers.

Schematic diagram of a Mainboard:

What is a Microprocessor?

A microprocessor is a digital machine that can execute many different software commands and control many types of electronic devices.

A sensible structured device that can be used as a processing unit or a computer unit:

Contains an integrated chip.

Includes such a processor with memory and related circuits.

Microprocessor results:

The advent of the microprocessor has had a profound effect on almost every aspect of our lives.

Today, even the most common activities are performed under its direction and therefore, our lives are surrounded and dependent on microprocessors.

CPU vs. Microprocessor:

 Most CPUs in modern IT are multicore processors, meaning integrated circuits have two or more processors attached to help improve performance.

 Microprocessor single use CPU.

CPUs tend to perform basic tasks, the most powerful of which is the way we are presented (usually the machine code), most likely using complex calculations (such as a floating-point), and capable of combining dynamic objects. The whole system is set up as such CPU systems to perform large, unobtrusive tasks.

·         Most CPUs are microprocessors but not every microprocessor is a CPU.

           Schematic diagram of a Microprocessor:

Applications of Microprocessor:

Many devices show how dependent on the micro-processing we have become nowadays;

·         Pocket calculators

·         Digital watches (some with calculators built-in, GPS)

·         Cell phones (iPhone)

·         CD and MP3 players (iTunes)

·         Home security and control devices (Intercom)

·         VCRs and DVD players

·         Personal computers (Laptop, iPad)

·         Digital cameras.

Main memory;

PC/ server use “DRAM” (Dynamic RAM)

·         SDRAM

·         DDR SDRAM

·         RDRAM (RAMBUS DRAM).

Main memory;

·         Embedded computers use DRAM or SRAM (or both) depending on applications.

Storage;

·        Secondary storage

·        Non-volatile

·        Stores programs, a magnetic disk (hard-disk) is usually used

·        In embedded computers, “flash” memory or “ROM” is usually employed.

Hardware and Software:

·         What is Hardware?

The physical components of the microprocessor-based systems are called hardware.

·         What is Software?

Software is something that we install onto our computer that has its own code, like a specific program. It’s the programs and applications that we run on a physical device.

·         Both of they have decision making capability by executing a program or completing a task.

What are the differences between hardware and software?

                                                Hardware vs. software

Basis	Hardware	Software
Definition	Hardware is a physical device that is capable of operating tasks and executions based on the software	Software is a set of instructions that are given to the computer to perform operations
Types	Output, input, storage, processing, and control devices	Programming software, system software, and Application software
Examples	CD-ROM, monitor, printer, video card, scanners, and label makers	Apple maps, Adobe Acrobat, QuickBooks, Google Chrome, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel,
Development	Hardware is made up of electronic components	Software is developed by writing instructions in a programming language.
Replacement	If Hardware is damaged, it can be replaced with a new one	If Software is damaged, it can be replaced with its backup copy.
Durability	Hardware wears out over time	The software does not wear out over time. However, bugs can affect it.
Nature	Hardware is physical in nature	Software is logical in nature.