| An ARM processor |
| Vocademy |
This book focuses mainly on personal computers and related computers. These tend to use the Intel-based x86 family of microprocessors. However, there are other microprocessors available.
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The ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) traces its history to Acorn Computers. The Acorn 1 was a 6502-based machine. To go beyond the 6502, Acorn wanted a more powerful processor but didn't want to sacrifice the simplicity of the 6502. Inspired by the simplicity of the 6502 and a white paper on the Berkeley RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) project, Acorn designed their own processor, the Acorn RISC Machine. The ARM2 was the first version of the ARM processor in significant production. The RISC architecture gives the ARM processor higher speed at a lower cost than an equivalent CISC processor such as x86.
The ARM is the most widely-produced 32-bit architecture processor. It is the processor of choice for smartphones and internet tablets.
The PowerPC was a RISC processor developed by an Apple-IBM-Motorola alliance. It was the processor used in the Macintosh after the Motorola 68000 and before Apple switched to x86 architecture.
A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit. These chips contain the CPU, RAM, ROM, and Flash memory. They are programmed in proprietary languages through applications on desktop computers. These programs are then downloaded to the microcontroller and stored in the internal Flash memory from where they are run (early microcontrollers used EPROM memory).
Microcontrollers are used in countless embedded systems from automobiles, televisions, microwave ovens—anything that needs a simple, inexpensive computer. Microcontrollers are so tiny that they can fit almost anywhere. For example, notebook computer batteries often contain microcontrollers to control charging and indicate the charge state with the push of a tiny button.
| Vocademy |