The difference between microcontroller and microcontroller and microprocessor

Single chip microcomputer STM32L151CCU6

1206RGB (single)

RF cable can be customized for other specifications

MicroMote ME2188A33PG

Processors come in three main types: microprocessors, microcontrollers, and digital signal processors. A microprocessor (MPU) is typically a powerful CPU that serves as the central processing unit in personal computers and high-end workstations. It’s not specifically designed for a single purpose but rather offers general computing power. Common examples include Intel's X86 series and Motorola's 68K series. Microcontrollers, on the other hand, were originally developed to integrate a full computer into a single chip, making them ideal for embedded systems. These chips are often used in control applications and have evolved over time to include additional circuitry tailored for specific tasks. Today, they are commonly referred to as MCUs (Microcontroller Units). Some microcontrollers are even built based on microprocessors, such as Intel’s 386EX, which was adapted for embedded use. Embedded processors also include specialized architectures like ARM from Advanced RISC Machines, MIPS from Silicon Graphics, PowerPC from IBM and Motorola, and others like Intel’s X86, i960, AMD’s Am386EM, and Hitachi’s SH RISC. These are optimized for efficiency and performance in embedded environments. Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), meanwhile, are designed specifically for fast execution of signal processing tasks, especially in audio and video applications. They feature dedicated multipliers that allow them to perform complex calculations much faster than general-purpose processors. Popular DSPs include Texas Instruments’ TMS320CXX series and Motorola’s 5600X series. Whether you're working on a simple embedded system or a high-performance application, understanding the differences between these processor types is essential for choosing the right component for your project.