In this chapter we provide the fundamental concepts of microprocessor programming. Typical programming characteristics such as programming languages, basics of assembly language programming, instruction formats, instruction set architecture (ISA), microprocessor instruction sets, and addressing modes are discussed.
5.1 Microcomputer Programming Languages
Microprocessors are typically programmed using semi-English-language statements (assembly language). In addition to assembly languages, microcomputers use a more understandable human-oriented language called high-level language. No matter what type of language is used to write programs, microcomputers understand only binary numbers. Therefore, all programs must eventually be translated into their appropriate binary forms. The principal ways to accomplish this are discussed later.
Microprocessor programming languages can typically be divided into three main types: machine language, assembly language, and high-level language. A machine language program consists of either binary or hexadecimal op-codes. Programming a microcomputer with either one is relatively difficult, because one must deal only with numbers. The architecture and microprograms of a microprocessor determine all its instructions. These instructions are called the microprocessor's instruction set. Programs in assembly and high-level languages are represented by instructions that use English-language-type statements. The programmer ...
^I meant program/write code USING microprocessors and customizing hardware. I understand how microcontrollers are programmed and have done projects with the AVR AtMega32 microcontroller. A couple of friends and I are now thinking about designing a product of our own and we think we may have to work with microprocessors. Instruction Execution. The instructions which are to be executed by microprocessor are first stored in the memory of the processor and then executed. But the processor does not execute the instructions directly. It reads the instruction byte by byte and then executes it. Before understanding instruction execution and data flow.
microprocessor,
integrated circuit containing the arithmetic, logic, and control circuitry required to interpret and execute instructions from a computer programcomputer program,a series of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute; programs are also called software to distinguish them from hardware, the physical equipment used in data processing.
.....Click the link for more information.. When combined with other integrated circuitsintegrated circuit
(IC), electronic circuit built on a semiconductor substrate, usually one of single-crystal silicon. The circuit, often called a chip, is packaged in a hermetically sealed case or a nonhermetic plastic capsule, with leads extending from it for input, output,
.....Click the link for more information. that provide storage for data and programs, often on a single semiconductorsemiconductor,
solid material whose electrical conductivity at room temperature is between that of a conductor and that of an insulator (see conduction; insulation). At high temperatures its conductivity approaches that of a metal, and at low temperatures it acts as an insulator.
.....Click the link for more information. base to form a chip, the microprocessor becomes the heart of a small computercomputer,
device capable of performing a series of arithmetic or logical operations. A computer is distinguished from a calculating machine, such as an electronic calculator, by being able to store a computer program (so that it can repeat its operations and make logical
.....Click the link for more information., or microcomputer. Microprocessors are classified by the semiconductor technology of their design (TTL, transistor-transistor logic; CMOS, complementary-metal-oxide semiconductor; or ECL, emitter-coupled logic), by the width of the data format (4-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, or 64-bit) they process; and by their instruction set (CISC, complex-instruction-set computer, or RISC, reduced-instruction-set computer; see RISC processorRISC processor
[Reduced Instruction Set Computer], computer arithmetic-logic unit that uses a minimal instruction set, emphasizing the instructions used most often and optimizing them for the fastest possible execution.
.....Click the link for more information.
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Developed during the 1970s, the microprocessor became most visible as the central processor of the personal computerpersonal computer
(PC), small but powerful computer primarily used in an office or home without the need to be connected to a larger computer. PCs evolved after the development of the microprocessor made possible the hobby-computer movement of the late 1970s, when some computers
.....Click the link for more information.. Microprocessors also play supporting roles within larger computers as smart controllers for graphics displays, storage devices, and high-speed printers. However, the vast majority of microprocessors are used to control everything from consumer appliances to smart weapons. The microprocessor has made possible the inexpensive hand-held electronic calculatorcalculator
or calculating machine,
device for performing numerical computations; it may be mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic. The electronic computer is also a calculator but performs other functions as well.
.....Click the link for more information., the digital wristwatch, and the electronic gameelectronic game,
device or computer program that provides entertainment by challenging a person's eye-hand coordination or mental abilities. Made possible by the development of the microprocessor, electronic games are marketed in various formats, such as hand-held one-player
.....Click the link for more information.. Microprocessors are used to control consumer electronic devices, such as the programmable microwave oven and DVD player; to regulate gasoline consumption and antilock brakes in automobiles; to monitor alarm systems; and to operate automatic tracking and targeting systems in aircraft, tanks, and missiles and to control radar arrays that track and identify aircraft, among other defense applications.
(PC), small but powerful computer primarily used in an office or home without the need to be connected to a larger computer. PCs evolved after the development of the microprocessor made possible the hobby-computer movement of the late 1970s, when some computers
.....Click the link for more information.. Microprocessors also play supporting roles within larger computers as smart controllers for graphics displays, storage devices, and high-speed printers. However, the vast majority of microprocessors are used to control everything from consumer appliances to smart weapons. The microprocessor has made possible the inexpensive hand-held electronic calculatorcalculator
or calculating machine,
device for performing numerical computations; it may be mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic. The electronic computer is also a calculator but performs other functions as well.
.....Click the link for more information., the digital wristwatch, and the electronic gameelectronic game,
device or computer program that provides entertainment by challenging a person's eye-hand coordination or mental abilities. Made possible by the development of the microprocessor, electronic games are marketed in various formats, such as hand-held one-player
.....Click the link for more information.. Microprocessors are used to control consumer electronic devices, such as the programmable microwave oven and DVD player; to regulate gasoline consumption and antilock brakes in automobiles; to monitor alarm systems; and to operate automatic tracking and targeting systems in aircraft, tanks, and missiles and to control radar arrays that track and identify aircraft, among other defense applications.
Bibliography
See A. R. Ismail and V. M. Rooney, Microprocessor Hardware and Software Concepts (1987); I. L. Sayers, A. P. Robson, A. E. Adams, and G. E. Chester, Principles of Microprocessors (1991); M. Slater, A Guide to RISC Microprocessors (1992).