{"id":12566,"date":"2012-02-16T21:25:03","date_gmt":"2012-02-16T21:25:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/processor\/"},"modified":"2024-08-23T15:13:01","modified_gmt":"2024-08-23T15:13:01","slug":"processor","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/28254\/processor","title":{"rendered":"Processor"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span id=\"what_is_a_processor\">What is a Processor?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A processor is an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2366\/integrated-circuit-ic\">integrated circuit<\/a> that performs mathematical calculations and logical operations. In older computer systems, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2851\/central-processing-unit-cpu\">central processing unit<\/a> (CPU) was solely responsible for executing all computations. Today&#8217;s computers typically have multiple types of processors that are optimized for different tasks.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Processor-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"What is a Processor?\" width=\"1200\" height=\"601\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-301635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Processor-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Processor-1024x513.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Processor-768x385.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Processor-1536x770.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Processor-1200x601.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Processor-1980x992.jpg 1980w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Processor.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><br \/>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#e5e54c;border-radius:\u201c3\u201dpx;-moz-border-radius:\u201c3\u201dpx;-webkit-border-radius:\u201c3\u201dpx;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#FFFF66;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:\u201c3\u201dpx;-moz-border-radius:\u201c3\u201dpx;-webkit-border-radius:\u201c3\u201dpx;\">\n<h2><span id=\"key_takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>A processor is a type of integrated circuit.<\/li>\n<li>Processors fetch an instruction from memory, decode it to understand what is being asked, and then carry out the instruction.<\/li>\n<li>They do this by performing mathematical calculations (like addition or multiplication) and logical operations (like AND, OR, and NOT).<\/li>\n<li>Historically, the terms CPU and processor were used as synonyms because the CPU was the only processor in a computer system.<\/li>\n<li>Today, CPUs work in conjunction with a number of other processors that are optimized for specific tasks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n    <section class=\"toc-sticky w-100 bg-white \">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\"\n                 aria-controls=\"multiCollapse1\"\n                 data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse1\">\n                <button\n                        class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                >\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n                <span class=\"toc-main-title-permanent\">Table of Contents<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div\n                    class=\"collapse my-3\"\n                    id=\"multiCollapse1\"\n            >\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item current\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"what_is_a_processor\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_is_a_processor\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">What is a Processor?<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"history_of_processors\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"history_of_processors\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">History of Processors<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"how_processors_work\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_processors_work\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">How Processors Work<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"functions_of_a_processor\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"functions_of_a_processor\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Functions of a Processor<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"components_of_a_processor\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"components_of_a_processor\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Components of a Processor<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"cpu_vs_processor\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"cpu_vs_processor\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">CPU vs. Processor<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"types_of_processors\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"types_of_processors\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Types of Processors<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"faqs\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"faqs\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"references\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"references\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">References<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                    <\/ol>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__container__disperse\"><\/div>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__btn-top justify-content-center\">\n                    <button class=\"btn btn-link d-flex align-items-center\" onclick={btnTop()}><p>Show Full Guide<\/p><img decoding=\"async\"\n                                src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/table-of-contents\/assets\/images\/arrow-up-circle.svg\"\n                                alt=\"arrow-up-circle\">\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <div class=\"toc-sticky-list\">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-controls=\"multiCollapse2\" data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse2\">\n                <button class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\">\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div  class=\"collapse my-3\" id=\"multiCollapse2\">\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item current \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"what_is_a_processor\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_is_a_processor\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">What is a Processor?<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"history_of_processors\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"history_of_processors\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">History of Processors<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"show_moretoc\">Show Full Guide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"how_processors_work\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_processors_work\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">How Processors Work<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"functions_of_a_processor\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"functions_of_a_processor\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Functions of a Processor<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"components_of_a_processor\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"components_of_a_processor\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Components of a Processor<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"cpu_vs_processor\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"cpu_vs_processor\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">CPU vs. Processor<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"types_of_processors\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"types_of_processors\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Types of Processors<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                 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const headerHeightDifference = window.innerWidth < 992 ? -30 : -15;\n        window.scrollTo({\n            top: el.offsetTop - 60 - headerHeightDifference - 10,\n        });\n    }\n<\/script>\n\n<h2><span id=\"history_of_processors\">History of Processors<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the <strong>1940s<\/strong>, early <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4607\/computer\">computers<\/a> had to be physically rewired to perform different types of computations.<\/p>\n<p>In the <strong>1950s<\/strong>, the concept of Von Neumann&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/32480\/von-neumann-architecture\">stored-program architecture<\/a> made it possible to build processing units that could handle a variety of computational tasks and logical operations.<\/p>\n<p>These units, which were made of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/9893\/vacuum-tube\">vacuum tubes<\/a>, were collectively referred to as a central processing units because they were the main components responsible for executing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4356\/software\">software<\/a> programs.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>1960s<\/strong> saw the gradual replacement of vacuum tubes with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2377\/transistor\">transistors<\/a> in processors, leading to smaller and more efficient designs. By the <strong>1970s<\/strong>, advancements in integrated circuit technology made it possible to put the entire <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2851\/central-processing-unit-cpu\">central processing unit<\/a> (CPU) on a single <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2874\/microprocessor\">microprocessor<\/a> chip.<\/p>\n<p>In the early <strong>2000s<\/strong>, further advancements in CPU design led to the development of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24301\/dual-core\">dual core CPUs<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2885\/quad-core-processor\">quad core processors<\/a>. They significantly improved computer performance by enabling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4598\/parallel-processing\">parallel processing<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Today, advancements in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/190\/artificial-intelligence-ai\">artificial intelligence<\/a> (AI) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/8181\/machine-learning-ml\">machine learning<\/a> (ML) require additional specialized processors that are optimized for tasks that the general-purpose CPU is not as efficient at handling.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s expected that in the future, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.livescience.com\/33816-quantum-mechanics-explanation.html\" target=\"_blank\">quantum mechanics<\/a> will revolutionize <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/6597\/computing\">computing<\/a> by allowing processors to execute complex computational tasks exponentially faster than is possible today.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"how_processors_work\">How Processors Work<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Fetch-Decode-Execute-Cycle-Machine-Instruction-Cycle-300x287.jpg\" alt=\"How Processors Work\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1148\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-301638\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Fetch-Decode-Execute-Cycle-Machine-Instruction-Cycle-300x287.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Fetch-Decode-Execute-Cycle-Machine-Instruction-Cycle-1024x980.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Fetch-Decode-Execute-Cycle-Machine-Instruction-Cycle-768x735.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Fetch-Decode-Execute-Cycle-Machine-Instruction-Cycle-1536x1470.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Fetch-Decode-Execute-Cycle-Machine-Instruction-Cycle-1200x1148.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Fetch-Decode-Execute-Cycle-Machine-Instruction-Cycle-1980x1895.jpg 1980w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Fetch-Decode-Execute-Cycle-Machine-Instruction-Cycle.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Processors have a fixed architecture and a predefined set of instructions they can execute. They work by fetching a programmed instruction from the computer&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2787\/memory\">memory<\/a>, decoding it to identify the type of operation to be performed and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/30323\/data-source\">data sources<\/a>, and then carrying out the corresponding mathematical calculations and logical operations.<\/p>\n<p>This process, which is repeated continuously, is called a <strong>fetch-decode-execute cycle<\/strong> or <strong>machine instruction cycle<\/strong>. The specific implementation of each stage in the cycle can vary, depending on the processor&#8217;s instruction set architecture, design features, and purpose.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"functions_of_a_processor\">Functions of a Processor<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The primary function of a processor is to execute programmed instructions.<\/p>\n<p>Additional functions include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Managing data flow and storage.<\/li>\n<li>Handling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/3373\/interrupt-computing\">interrupts<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/3789\/exception\">exceptions<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Controlling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24931\/input-output-io\">input\/output<\/a> (IO) operations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"components_of_a_processor\">Components of a Processor<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A processor&#8217;s exact components can vary depending on its architecture, but there are <strong>three core components<\/strong> that are common across all types of processors.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2855\/control-unit-cu\">control unit<\/a> (CU) directs the operation of the processor by telling other components how to execute instructions.<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2849\/arithmetic-logic-unit-alu\">arithmetic logic unit <\/a>(ALU) performs mathematical and logical operations.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/27596\/processor-register\">Registers<\/a> are small storage locations within the processor that are used to save data, addresses, and control information actively being processed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span id=\"cpu_vs_processor\">CPU vs. Processor<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>CPU<\/strong> refers to the processing unit in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4607\/computer\">computer<\/a> that is responsible for executing general-purpose instructions and working with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/3515\/operating-system-os\">operating system<\/a> (OS) to manage the other computer components and ensure they work together.<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, the term <strong>processor<\/strong> is broader and can refer to any type of processor. Essentially, while all CPUs are processors, not all processors are CPUs.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"types_of_processors\">Types of Processors<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Processors can be categorized by their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lenovo.com\/us\/en\/glossary\/instruction-set-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\">instruction set architecture<\/a> (ISA), design features, and purpose.<\/p>\n<p>Understanding the difference between different types of processors can help people make informed decisions about what type of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2210\/hardware-hw\">hardware<\/a>, software, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/143\/managed-service-provider-msp\">managed service provider<\/a> (MSP) will meet their needs best.<\/p>\n<p>For example, a user might want to know whether a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/hosting\/best-cloud-hosting-providers\">cloud hosting service<\/a> uses multi-core processors that are optimized for handling large volumes of traffic.<\/p>\n<h3>Common Instruction Set Architectures (ISAs)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-accordion su-u-trim\">\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>x86<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<p class=\"p1\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5334\/x86-architecture\">dominant architecture<\/a> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/how-to\/how-to-check-your-pc-specs\">personal computers<\/a> (PCs) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2282\/server\">servers<\/a>, known for its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.educative.io\/answers\/what-is-cisc-architecture\" target=\"_blank\">complex instruction set computing<\/a> (CISC) design.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>ARM<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5900\/advanced-risc-machine-arm\">popular architecture in mobile devices<\/a> and embedded systems, known for its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2887\/reduced-instruction-set-computer-risc\">reduced instruction set computing<\/a> (RISC) design.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>RISC-V<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Hidden content <\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div>\n<h3>Popular Design Features<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-accordion su-u-trim\">\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Multicore<\/strong>e<\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5305\/multicore\">Enables<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4598\/parallel-processing\">parallel processing<\/a> by integrating multiple processing units on the same <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2169\/chip\">chip<\/a>. <\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>System on a Chip<\/strong> (SoC)<\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/702\/system-on-a-chip-soc\">Integrates processors and other computer components<\/a> on a single chip to save space and conserve power. <\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div>\n<h3>Specialized Processors<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-accordion su-u-trim\">\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Central Processing Unit (CPU)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<p>The primary processor responsible for coordinating the way instructions are carried out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Microcontroller Unit (MCU)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<p class=\"p1\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/embeddedartistry.com\/fieldmanual-terms\/microcontroller-unit\/\" target=\"_blank\">small, integrated processor<\/a> used in embedded systems for specific control tasks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Digital Signal Processor (DSP)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Optimized for processing audio and video signals in real-time. <\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24862\/graphics-processing-unit-gpu\">Optimized for performing parallel processing tasks<\/a>. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Tensor Processing Unit (TPU)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> A processor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/32879\/tensor-processing-unit-tpu\">designed specifically to accelerate machine learning workloads<\/a>. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Neural Processing Unit (NPU)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows\/all-about-neural-processing-units-npus-e77a5637-7705-4915-96c8-0c6a975f9db4\" target=\"_blank\">Optimized for artificial intelligence<\/a> and neural network tasks. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Embedded Processor<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/17105\/embedded-processor\">Designed to control specific functions<\/a> within an embedded system.<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Quantum Processing Unit (QPU)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> A <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.nvidia.com\/blog\/what-is-a-qpu\/\" target=\"_blank\">processor whose architecture and instruction set is based on quantum computing principles<\/a>. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Analog Processor<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/analog-computing-for-ai-how-it-could-make-us-re-think-the-future\">Optimized for AI tasks<\/a> that involve continuous signal processing. <\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"the_bottom_line\">The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the early days of computing, the CPU was often the sole processor in a computing system. This historical association has caused many processor definitions to use &#8220;processor&#8221; and &#8220;CPU&#8221; as synonyms.<\/p>\n<p>To define processors accurately, it&#8217;s important to recognize that while all CPUs are processors, not all processors are CPUs. Processor is a broader term that describes a wide range of integrated circuits designed to fetch, decode, and execute instructions.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"man_faq_sec\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\"><\/time><section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is a processor in simple terms?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">A processor is a type of integrated circuit that executes calculations and logical operations on data. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What are the three types of processors?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Processors can be categorized by whether they are general purpose, specialized, or embedded. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is the difference between a processor and a CPU?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">A processor is an integrated circuit that executes programmed instructions, and a CPU is a specific type of processor. CPU operations are general-purpose, while other processor operations are optimized for specific functions. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">How exactly does a processor work?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">A processor continuously fetches an instruction from memory, decodes it to understand what\u2019s being asked, carries out the instruction, and then fetches another instruction. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Can I upgrade my computer processor?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">It depends on what type of computer you have and what type of processor you want to upgrade. For example, it\u2019s possible to upgrade some types of desktop processors if the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2876\/motherboard\">motherboard<\/a> is compatible. Laptop processors are typically soldered to the motherboard, however, and can\u2019t be upgraded. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<div class=\"reference-content\">\n<div class=\"reference-heading reference-content-collapsible-heading\">\n<h2><span id=\"references\">References<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"reference-content-body\">\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.livescience.com\/33816-quantum-mechanics-explanation.html\" target=\"_blank\">Quantum mechanics: Definitions, axioms, and key concepts of quantum physics | Live Science<\/a> (Livescience)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lenovo.com\/us\/en\/glossary\/instruction-set-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\">The Basics of Instruction Set Architecture | Lenovo US<br \/>\n<\/a> (Lenovo)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.educative.io\/answers\/what-is-cisc-architecture\" target=\"_blank\">What is CISC architecture?<\/a> (Educative)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/embeddedartistry.com\/fieldmanual-terms\/microcontroller-unit\/\" target=\"_blank\">Microcontroller Unit &#8211; Embedded Artistry<\/a> (Embeddedartistry)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows\/all-about-neural-processing-units-npus-e77a5637-7705-4915-96c8-0c6a975f9db4\" target=\"_blank\">All about neural processing units (NPUs) &#8211; Microsoft Support<\/a> (Support.microsoft)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.nvidia.com\/blog\/what-is-a-qpu\/\" target=\"_blank\">What Is a QPU? | NVIDIA Blogs<\/a> (Blogs.nvidia)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a Processor? A processor is an integrated circuit that performs mathematical calculations and logical operations. In older computer systems, the central processing unit (CPU) was solely responsible for executing all computations. Today&#8217;s computers typically have multiple types of processors that are optimized for different tasks. History of Processors In the 1940s, early computers [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7813,"featured_media":301634,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"definitioncat":[217],"class_list":["post-12566","definition","type-definition","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","definitioncat-hardware"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.2 (Yoast SEO v24.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is a Processor? Definition, Use Cases &amp; Types - Techopedia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A processor is an integrated circuit that executes programmed instructions. 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