Microprocessors and Logic

Abstract

Microprocessors process information by performing logical operations on binary data, and these data are stored in logic circuits both within the microprocessor itself and in external devices. The previous three chapters have described logic circuits and shown how logic operations are used to process data. The purpose of this chapter is to consider the structure of the microprocessor itself, its logic circuits and its operation. These basic concepts are explained using a simple imaginary microprocessor as an example, and then the 68020 and 8051 microprocessors are introduced.