The difference and introduction of CPU, MCU, MPU, DSP

recently by the MCU and MPU dizzy, the Internet to find some relevant information, tidy up.

The CPU (central processing Unit, CPU) developed three branches, one is the DSP (digital Signal processing/processor, signal processing), the other two are MCU (Micro Control Unit, microcontroller unit) and MPU (Micro Processor Unit, microprocessor unit).

MCU integrates the on-chip peripheral devices, MPU without peripheral devices (such as memory array), is a highly integrated universal structure of the processor, is to remove the integration of peripheral MCU;DSP computing ability, good at a lot of repetitive data operations, and the MCU is suitable for different information sources of various data processing diagnosis and operation, Focus on control, speed is not like DSP.

The biggest characteristic of MCU differs from DSP is its universality, which is reflected in instruction set and addressing mode. The combination of DSP and MCU is DSC, it will eventually replace both of these chips.

Among the most commendable achievements of the 20th century, there is the development of integrated circuits and electronic computers. The microcomputer, which appeared in the the 1970s, caused far-reaching changes in the science and technology circles. In the middle of the 70 's, a small faction was split in the microcomputer family--single-chip microcomputer. With the advent of 4-bit microcontroller, 8-bit MCU was introduced. MCS48 series, especially the appearance of MCS51 series MCU, has established the position of MCU as microcontroller (MCU), which has caused a new change in the field of microcomputer. In today's world, microprocessors (MPU) and microcontrollers (MCUs) Form two distinct branches. They are different from each other, but they fuse and promote each other. Unlike the microprocessor (MPU), which is characterized by computational performance and speed, the microcontroller (MCU) is developed with the continuous improvement of its control function.

There are two meanings, can be referred to as digital signal processing this theory, at this time it is the numeral Signal processing abbreviation, also can be digital Signal processor abbreviation, means "DSP", sometimes abbreviated to DSPs, To show the difference from the theory.

MPU is the abbreviation of Micro Processor Unit, which refers to "microprocessor". Early even up to 7, 8, but now mostly merged into 2, commonly known as North Bridge, is the motherboard chipset in the leading role of the most important component, also known as the main bridge, the Chip and South Bridge (South Bridges, South Bridges chip responsible for communication between I/O bus) chip, In the computer to play the role of the bridge, transfer data.

The CPU is the abbreviation of English "Central processing Unit", refers to "the centralized processing unit", is the computer brain, plays the function of the computation data, but the CPU instruction calls, the data transmission, each equipment working state needs the CPU through the MPU transfer control to complete.

MCU (microcontrollerunit) Chinese name is "Micro control Unit", also known as single-chip microcomputer (Singlechipmicrocomputer), referred to as "SCM", refers to the development of large scale integrated circuits, the computer's CPU,    RAM, ROM, timer and a variety of I/O interfaces are integrated on a chip to form a chip-level computer for different combinations of applications. Classification of MCUs

The MCU can be divided into mask (mask) ROM, OTP (one-time programmable) ROM, FLASH rom and other types according to its memory type. MASK ROM MCU price is cheap, but the program at the factory has been cured, suitable for the application of fixed applications; FALSH ROM MCU program can be repeatedly erased, flexible, but high price, suitable for price-insensitive applications or do development purposes; OTP Rom MCU price between the previous two, but also has a one-time programmable ability, suitable for both the need for a certain flexibility, but also require low-cost applications, especially the function is constantly refurbished, the need for rapid production of electronic products.

After several years of continuous research and development, the microcontroller has undergone 4-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit, and even 64-bit. Product maturity, as well as the number of investment vendors, the wide range of applications, it is unprecedented. At present, in foreign manufacturers because of early development, product line is broad, so the technology leader, and local vendors to multi-functional product-oriented win.    But it cannot be denied that the price war of local firms is a key factor in the threat to foreign businessmen. Due to the improvement of the process, 8-bit MCU and 4-bit MCU spreads booms, 8 has gradually become the mainstream of the market, the current 4-bit MCU is mostly used in calculators, automotive instruments, car anti-theft devices, pagers, cordless telephones, CD players, LCD driver controllers, LCD game consoles, children's toys, scales, chargers, Tire pressure gauge, temperature and humidity meter, remote control and shoot camera, etc. 8-bit MCUs are mostly used in meters, motor controllers, electric toys, inverter air conditioners, pagers, fax machines, caller ID (callerid), telephone recorders, CRT monitors, keyboards and USB, etc. Most of the 16-bit MCUs are used in mobile phones, digital cameras and video recorders, and most of the 32-bit MCUs are used in modems, GPS, PDAs, HPC, STB, Hub, Bridge, Router, workstations, ISDN telephones, laser printers and color fax machines. Most of the 64-bit MCUs are used in high-order workstations, multimedia interactive systems, advanced TV rides (such as Sega's Dreamcast and Nintendo Gameboy) and advanced terminals.