MICRO PROCESSORS

A silicon chip that contains a CPU. In the world of personal computers, the terms
microprocessor and CPU are used interchangeably. At the heart of all personal
computers and most workstations sits a microprocessor. Microprocessors also control
the logic of almost all digital devices, from clock radios to fuel-injection systems for
automobiles. Three basic characteristics differentiate microprocessors:
Instruction set: The set of instructions that the microprocessor can execute. bandwidth : The number of bits processed in a single instruction. clock speed : Given in megahertz (MHz), the clock speed determines how many
instructions per second the processor can execute. In both cases, the higher the value, the more powerful the CPU. For example, a 32-bit
microprocessor that runs at 50MHz is more powerful than a 16-bit microprocessor that
runs at 25MHz.
In addition to bandwidth and clock speed, microprocessors are classified as being either
RISC (reduced instruction set computer) or CISC (complex instruction set computer).
See the Microprocessor Comparison Chart page in the Quick Reference section of
Webopedia for a comparison of microprocessors.