Micro Processor Types

• Microprocessors are the engines that run computers.microprocesseur image by gilles vall??e from Fotolia.com
  
  The microprocessor or CPU (central processing unit) performs operations on the data in a computer system. It is the most important part of the computer. Without the microprocessor, the computer would not work. It processes instructions and performs math and logic operations. There are different types of microprocessors, but all perform the same function, which is to process data as fast as possible.
  
  

Single, Dual and Multicore Processors

• The most important factor in determining the power of a microprocessor is how fast it can process data. When an instruction reaches the microprocessor, it begins a process in which it takes the instruction apart and puts into different sections of the microprocessor for analysis and operation.
  
  To make the process faster, dual-core processors process two instructions at a time. Two different cores handle instructions, operating in parallel. The result is that the microprocessor can complete an instruction set in half the time.
  
  The operational philosophy goes a step further with the introduction of quad core and even multicore processors that provide processing beyond the quad core stage. This has given programmers the opportunity to develop sophisticated programs that earlier processors couldn't handle. The advanced programs now seen on desktop computers, such as games, browsers and database operations, could not perform without powerful processors.
  
  

Instruction-Based Microprocessor Types

• The instruction set is the part of the computer architecture that deals with programming. This includes memory architecture, data types, exception handling (if something does not go right), registers (special internal addresses), addressing modes (there are multiple locations where the instruction could be in the CPU), instructions and interrupts (calling other hardware to perform a task).
  
  In the complex instruction set computer (CISC), the microprocessor performs most of the tasks itself; there is no splitting off. But in the reduced instruction set computer (RISC), much of the processing occurs on the software; there is a reduced load on the microprocessor.
  
  The very long instruction word (VLIW) is an instruction set that compiles some of the instructions to run by software. When it compiles a program, it treats the entire program as one set unit, instead of a line-by-line operation. VLIW is the next step in the RISC process. The effect is a reduced hardware cost, because the software performs the instruction step.
  
  

Microprocessor Types Based on Manufacturers

• Manufacturers also make different microprocessor types. The two main manufacturers are Intel and AMD. Both have single-core, dual, and multicore processors. Some of the popular brands are the Pentium with its variants. The Pentium 3, Pentium 4, Pentium D, Celeron and Core are some of the microprocessor types from Intel. AMD also has a family of microprocessors. These are the Operton, Athelon and Sempron models, plus their variants.