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. 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. 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 Transistor Logic gates 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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

Looking toward the future Quantum Computers Quantum Computers IBM’s current research IBM’s current research IBM’s current research IBM’s current research

Not-so Futuristic Inventions Nanocomputers Nanocomputers Smart Appliances Smart Appliances Advanced E-business 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. 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