Source: Blog Garden (wish life happy), Eefocus, Zhihu, IoT World, etc. If there is any infringement, please contact the author.In the field of electronics, we often mention CPU, MCU, MPU, SOC, DSP, ECU, GPU, FPGA, etc. These are common types of chips or processors, but they have significant differences in structure, function, and application scenarios.
1. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Definition: The core component of a computer, it is the core of the computer system’s computation and control, responsible for executing computer instructions and processing data.
Function: Mainly includes the arithmetic logic unit and control unit. The arithmetic logic unit is responsible for data computation and processing, while the control unit is responsible for coordinating the operation of other hardware devices. It completes various complex computational tasks and controls input/output operations by executing a series of instructions, making it the core component of general-purpose computer systems such as desktops and laptops.
2. MCU (Microcontroller Unit)
Definition: Also known as a microcontroller or single-chip microcomputer, it integrates various functional modules such as the central processing unit, memory, counters, and input/output interfaces onto a single chip, forming a chip-level computer.Generally used in low-power, resource-limited embedded systems. MCUs have a high level of integration and are suitable for applications with lower computational requirements.
Function: MCUs are widely used in embedded systems and IoT devices, such as home appliance controllers, smart sensors, automotive systems, and medical devices, meeting the demands for low power consumption, miniaturization, and real-time response. They are mainly used for real-time control tasks, such as sensor readings and motor driving, emphasizing low power consumption and quick response. The clock frequency is generally low, ranging from a few MHz to several hundred MHz, suitable for scenarios with low computational requirements but high real-time demands.
Architecture: Based on a simple von Neumann or Harvard architecture, typically with a limited amount of RAM and Flash to achieve a compact design. Common cores include ARM Cortex-M series, etc.
Manufacturers: Major manufacturers include STMicroelectronics, NXP Semiconductors, Texas Instruments, Renesas, Silicon Labs, etc.
3. MPU (Microprocessor Unit)
Definition: A chip that integrates functions such as CPU, memory, peripheral controllers, and bus interfaces.
Function: Similar to a CPU, but typically emphasizes its role as an independent processor chip, usually used to execute more complex general computing tasks, run operating systems, and support various applications. MPUs are commonly used in personal computers, servers, workstations, and other devices with high computational requirements, such as data processing, image processing, and complex algorithm execution. They provide stronger data processing capabilities and can handle complex computational tasks such as graphical interfaces, multimedia streams, and AI algorithms. The clock frequency is higher, ranging from several hundred MHz to GHz, suitable for high-performance computing scenarios.
Architecture: Uses a complex von Neumann architecture, may include multi-core designs, and has an MMU (Memory Management Unit) that allows virtual address mapping, suitable for running high-level operating systems. Common cores include ARM Cortex-A series.
Manufacturers: In addition to some companies mentioned above for MCUs, there are also Qualcomm, MediaTek, Rockchip, Allwinner Technology, etc., focusing on MPUs in mobile platforms and consumer electronics.
With the development of technology, the boundaries between MCUs and MPUs are gradually becoming blurred, showing a trend of integration.
4. SOC (System on Chip)
Definition: Integrates various electronic system functional modules such as microprocessors, analog IP cores, digital IP cores, memory, and necessary interface circuits onto a single chip.
The current direction of chip development is from CPU to SoC, and there are no pure CPUs anymore; they are all SoCs.
Function: Constructs a complete electronic system, increases the integration of electronic systems, reduces size, lowers power consumption, and enhances overall system performance.
5. DSP (Digital Signal Processor)
Definition: A unique microprocessor designed to process large amounts of information in digital signals.
Function: A processor chip specifically for processing digital signals, optimized for numerous multiply-accumulate operations in digital signal processing, capable of high-speed, real-time processing of digital signals, commonly used in audio processing, image processing, communications, and other fields.
6. ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
Definition: A control unit unique to the automotive electronics field, composed of microcontrollers or microprocessors, responsible for controlling various electronic systems in vehicles, such as engine control, transmission control, and vehicle stability control.
Function: Receives data inputs from various sensors, processes the data through internal algorithms and logic, and exchanges data with other systems in the vehicle via a bus to ensure the coordination of the entire vehicle system.
7. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
Definition: A microprocessor specifically designed for image computation in personal computers, workstations, game consoles, and some mobile devices.
Function: Mainly used for processing graphics-related computational tasks, with a highly parallel structure capable of quickly processing large amounts of graphic data, playing an important role in gaming, graphic rendering, deep learning, etc., and can accelerate the generation and processing of images.
8. FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)
Definition: A product developed further based on programmable devices like PAL and GAL, it is a chip that can be reconfigured through programming to change its internal logic functions.
Function: Users can program it according to their needs to achieve various digital circuit functions, such as implementing specific algorithms, interface conversions, logic control, etc., commonly used in rapid prototyping, hardware acceleration, and other fields.
References:1. https://www.cnblogs.com/lijin-note/p/186625922. https://www.eefocus.com/baike/1608476.html3. https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/5367018084. https://www.iotword.com/33556.html