Microprocessors - The First Twelve Years
Article Abstract:
Microprocessors have evolved dramatically in the twelve years of their development by the implementation of large numbers of devices on single chips. Word widths have increased along with microprogramming capabilities, addressing capabilities, and trends toward single-chip computers. Only a year after the introduction of 4-bit processors came the 8-bit processor. Three years later, in 1974, 16-bit processors became the leading technology. The article compares architectures and operations of the TI 9900, Intel 8086, Zilog Z8000, Motorola 68000, and NSC 16032 16-bit microprocessors. The 32-bit processor was realized in 1981. General trends in architecture, technology, principles of operation, register organization, instruction set, memory organization, and performance are examined in the Bellmac-32A chip, the HP 32-bit processor, and the iAPX 432 processor chip set. With the development of advanced processors have come improvements and evolution of operating systems and processor communications. Multiprocessing and special-purpose processors have also improved computing technology. The processor technologies are illustrated by diagrams and compared in tables. A glossary of microprocessor terms is included.
Publication Name: Proceedings of the IEEE
Subject: Electronics
ISSN: 0018-9219
Year: 1983
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The First Decade of Personal Computers
Article Abstract:
Sales of personal computers have increased by two orders of magnitude in the last six years, due in part to innovations in computer and communications technology and to introductions of more user-friendly systems. Personal computers' CPUs have gone from 8-bits to 16-bits, and should go to 32-bits by 1985. Primary storage media are ROMs and static and dynamic RAMs, while secondary storage devices include cassette tape, floppy disks, winchester disks, and future optical disks. Input-putput devices are typically a qwerty keyboard with function keys, a television screen or monitor, various input devices, such as mice and touch screens, and a printer. Voice recognition and speech synthesis technologies are making progress. CP-M, MS-DOS, and UNIX operating systems are the most common personal computer operating systems. Contemporary personal computers offer varied architectures with varied performance for use with a multitude of application programs. Application of personal computers varies between the four areas of usage: home, business, science, and education. Tables list various personal computer and component statistics. A graph compares the performances of several systems.
Publication Name: Proceedings of the IEEE
Subject: Electronics
ISSN: 0018-9219
Year: 1984
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The Special Issue on Personal Computers
Article Abstract:
Computing has evolved at an extremely rapid rate over the past few years in power and user-friendliness. Developments such as fourth-generation languages that are easy to learn and use, and the use of speech as an effective communication medium have brought human beings and computers closer together. These developments have caused personal computer sales to rise by two orders of magnitude over the past six years.
Publication Name: Proceedings of the IEEE
Subject: Electronics
ISSN: 0018-9219
Year: 1984
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