Microprocessor Technology:

5 Pages 1264 Words

Introduction
Integrated circuit technology is advancing in vast numbers. One section of this is microprocessors. Microprocessor technology is advancing very rapidly and affects our society both economically and technically. They have pried their way into our everyday life and we are at a point where they will only become more involved with our lives and even possibly the human body itself. Since the development of the first microprocessor, we as a society have reaped the benefits of this wonderful technology.

History
The history of microprocessors is quite extensive, which causes some difficulty in covering everything. Therefore, I will hit some of the major milestones and achievements to give a general idea of where this amazing technology came from. Back in 1970, Intel introduced the 4000 family of microprocessors. The 4004 chip is known as the “world’s first computer on a chip”. In 1974, Motorola introduced the 6800 series of microprocessors, which was an 8-bit NMOS type integrated circuit. This series of chips was the first microprocessor to operate at five volts. Because of the low operating voltage, the chip could directly replace the existing computer logic at that time. Some people believe that the Motorola 6800 series of microprocessors redefined both the computer and electronics industries. Intel introduced the x86 series of microprocessors in 1977. This series of chips consisted of a group of chips that have paved the way into modern times of microprocessors. The first was the 8086, which was a 16-bit processor. Next came the 8088 and the 80286. The 80386 followed and was a 32-bit processor. The 80486 and the Pentium, which is one of the most popular microprocessors for personal computers, followed after the 80386. Also in the late 70’s and early 80’s, IBM produced a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set) processor. With a smaller set of instructions the processor could operate and execute operations much quicker. Sun...