Introduction to
Microprocessor
Systems
What we are going to learn in this
session:
What is a microprocessor system.
History of microprocessors.
Components inside the microprocessor system:
Component description.
Function.
Arrangement.
Introduction
P is a complex, powerful device:
Able to process huge amounts of data.
Built using transistors on silicon die.
Needs external components to support operation.
Used in wide variety of applications.
Take advantage of processing power.
Microcomputer system support P operations.
Microprocessor Systems
Complete system built around microprocessor.
CPU.
Memory.
I/O:disk drives, keyboard, mouse.
System Bus.
Supporting circuitry.
CPU as the brain controls actions of all
components.
Microprocessor System - PC
ROM Floppy RAM
Supporting
CD-ROM CPU Circuitry
Keyboard Mouse HDD
Microprocessor System - Calculator
Memory
Power Supply CPU LCD Display
Keypad
Computer Interface
Computer Interface
A P-based system consists of many
components:
CPU.
Memory.
I/O:disk drives, keyboard, mouse.
System Bus.
Supporting circuitry.
All components communicate using System Bus.
Block Diagram
Interrupt
Parallel I/O Serial I/O
Circuit
System Bus
Timing CPU Memory
The CPU CPU
Master of all components.
Job:
Get instructions from memory.
Execute instructions.
Perform calculations (Co-processor).
Control bus operations.
The CPU
CPU consists of:
ALU (Arithmetic/Logic Unit):
Performs arithmetic/ logic computations.
CU (Control Unit):
Responsible to retrieve instructions, analyze, then
execute.
Registers:
Fast internal storage
Used to temporarily store addresses, data,
processor status.
System Bus
Communication highway for all
components.
Contains:
Data lines.
Address lines.
Control lines: regulate information transfer,
interrupts, error signals.
Memory Memory
Stores instructions and data for CPU.
Each memory location given unique
address.
CPU refers to address to access.
Types:
Read-Only Memory (ROM).
Random-Access Memory (RAM).
Non-Volatile Memory (NVM).
RAM, ROM and NVM
ROM
Stores start-up
instructions and critical
system data and
variables.
Memory NVM
Stores general data
RAM and applications
ROM
Read-Only Memory:
Data can be read, but cannot be written (read-only).
Contents stay without power (non-volatile).
Usually contains basic start-up instructions, data.
Contents hard-wired during manufacturing.
Newer versions can be reprogrammed:
PROM: Fuse & anti-fuse.
EPROM: UV light.
EEPROM: Electrical current.
ROM Examples
EEPROM Programmer
EPROM
Quartz Window
NVM
Non-Volatile Memory
Contents can be read and written.
Contents stay without power (non-volatile).
Advantages:
Keeps memory even with no power.
Data is protected against blackouts.
Rewriteable.
Disadvantages:
Slower than RAM.
RAM
Random Access Memory.
Contents can be read and written.
Loses data without electrical power (volatile).
Advantages:
Programs can be loaded and reloaded.
Larger capacity.
Disadvantages:
Requires power, refresh cycles.
RAM vs. ROM
RAM is still empty
because the computer
has just been started.
Computer is CPU looks for
turned on instructions from
memory
CPU loads
instructions
from ROM.
RAM vs. ROM
RAM loads more
advanced functions, such
ROM only has basic as the OS.
functions to start the computer.
Timing Circuit Timing
Synchronizes all components in the system.
Allcomponents refer to the clock timing for
operations.
Generates square waves at constant intervals.
Crystal oscillator + timing circuitry.
Higher clock speed allow computers to function
faster.
Crystal Oscillator
Symbol
Equivalent Circuit
Sample
Clock Signal
T T T
Clock Signal vs. Processing Speed
Instruction CLR.W D7 takes 4 cycles to
complete.
Slow clock speed
Fast clock speed time
I/O
Input/Output.
Connects P with external devices:
Add functionality to P.
Interfaces with P using ports.
Examples:
Keyboard.
Mouse.
Display monitor.
How do ports connect to system
bus?
Built into board
Using card slots.
Serial I/O Serial I/O
Sends/receives data sequentially across 2 channels.
One for receive, one for transmit.
Connects using serial ports.
Advantages:
Less crosstalk.
Disadvantages:
Slow.
Needs special circuit to convert back to parallel (UART
Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter).
Serial Port
Parallel I/O Parallel I/O
Sends/receives data across multiple lines at one
time.
Connects using parallel ports.
Advantages:
Fasterthan serial.
Simpler circuits doesnt need UART.
Disadvantages:
Crosstalk.
Parallel Port
Parallel vs. Serial I/O
1011011010101010011010101010100011101100101 Receive
1011011010101010011010101010100011101100101 Transmit
Serial Port
1011011010101010011010101010100011101100101 Receive/Transmit
1011011010101010011010101010100011101100101 Receive/Transmit
1011011010101010011010101010100011101100101 Receive/Transmit
.
.
Parallel Port
UART
1
From Device 1001 0 To System Bus
UART
0
1
1
To Device 1001 0 From System Bus
UART
0
1
Interrupt
Interrupt Circuit Circuit
Allows other components to interrupt normal
CPU operation:
PrioritizeCPU tasks.
Error detection mechanism.
Accept inputs from devices keystroke, mouse press.
Depends on task importance:
Importanttasks given higher interrupts.
Less important tasks queued.
CPU keeps track of current interrupt level.
How Interrupts Work
CPU Device
1. CPU is performing 2. Device has more
tasks normally. important task that requires
immediate attention.
4. CPU saves its current task 3. Device requests interrupt from
so that it can return to it CPU.
when the interrupt completes.
5. CPU services the interrupt.
6. CPU reloads saved task,
and resumes normally.
Watchdog Monitor
Watchdog monitor:
Special circuit - monitors the system for errors.
Informs the CPU.
CPU takes appropriate actions reset system, halt processor.
May work in two ways:
Constantly monitor the system, and sends signal if error
detected.
Continuously sending signal to CPU after certain interval:
If CPU receives signal, continues processing.
If CPU doesnt receive signal, somethings wrong.
How Watchdogs Work
CPU Watchdog
1. CPU is performing 1. Watchdog monitors bus for errors.
tasks normally.
3. CPU saves its current task 2. If error detected, inform CPU.
so that it can return to it
when error is resolved.
4. CPU fixes the error.
5. CPU reloads saved task, 5. If error is too serious, CPU may reset/halt system.
and resumes normally.
Circuit diagram of a simplified
version of Top Loading washing
machine
Circuit diagram of a simplified
version of Top Loading washing
machine
Circuit diagram of a simplified
version of Top Loading washing
machine
