Microprocessor Advantages & Disadvantages


Microprocessor is defined as a silicon chip embedded with a Central Processing Unit or CPU. It is also referred to as a computer's logic chip, micro chip, and processor.
Advantages of Microprocessors is that these are general purpose electronic processing devices which can be programmed to execute a number of tasks. These are used in personal computers as well as a number of other embedded products.
There are no disadvantages as such but when compared tofixed logic devices or certain ASICs (application specific intergrated circuits), there is a need to program Microprocessors and write software/firmware when used in embedded applications.


Function


The function of a Microprocessor is to conduct arithmetic and logic operations.

Speed


One advantage of a Microprocessor is its speed, which is measured in hertz. For instance, a Microprocessor with 3 gigahertz, shortly GHz, is capable of performing 3 billion tasks per second.

Data Movement


Another advantage of a Microprocessor is that it can quickly move data between the various memory locations.

Complex Mathematics


Microprocessors are used to perform complicated mathematical operations, like operating on the floating point numbers.

Disadvantages


Some of the disadvantages with the Microprocessor are that it might get over-heated, and the limitation it imposes on the size of data.