Transcript microprocessors

Microprocessors
(a brief look at what drives today’s technology)
Christopher Feamster
Introduction
Microprocessors changed technology for the better
and will continue to change it for the better.
They allow great computing machines that used to
take up entire buildings to slip in your pocket or
right in the palm of your hand. They control
mainframes, deliberators, watches, microwaves,
stoves, calculators, and many other things.
Computers are changing our world and at the
heart of all of these devices is the
microprocessor.
What are they?
• Microprocessors are usually small, flat
square objects that have very short silver
contacts protruding from them. Even
though this is what you see, this is not the
actual device. You probably wouldn't
think that many of theses small device can
turn your computer from a glorified
paperweight with flashing lights, to a
multimedia powerhouse.
Their past
• In the early days, microprocessors were
microchips, the successor to the vacuum
tube. Although they revolutionized the
industry by making things smaller,
microchips were somewhat single tasked.
Intel changed all this by making the first
multifunction microprocessor.
What makes it “tick”
There are many technologies that allow
microprocessors to work, however the
fundamentals for it to work are:
• Transistor
• Logic gates
The actual chip
• A microprocessor consists of a square
silicon wafer with etched circuitry with
micro wires leading to the pins and
wrapped in a thick protective layer of
ceramic.
• Microprocessors also usually have sections
inside that allow execution of code such
as, fetch, store, and execute.
The “logic” behind it
Transistors
• Microprocessors were
made possible by a
device called the
transistor. A transistor is
a device that allows a
conditional flow of
electricity based of the
flow through one of its
two input pins.
The “logic” behind it
Logic gates
• Because of their electrical
design, transistors can perform
basic logic. This logic consists
of evaluating a simple 2-choice
equation to a binary answer.
• Because of the implications
and simplicity of this logic, a
method was created to list all
possible answers called a truth
table.
An XOR truth table
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
Looking toward the future
• Quantum Computers
• IBM’s current research
Not-so Futuristic Inventions
• Nanocomputers
• Smart Appliances
• Advanced E-business
A final thought
• Even when not used in computers, processors
play a major role. If it can be programmed,
setup, configured, or customized, chances are
there is a processor in it. This includes
calculators, TVs, microwaves, telephones,
stoves, refrigerators, cars, watches, and many
other devices. They have changed society in
massive way over the last 30 years and will
continue to help advance mankind.
Chris Feamster 2003