Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller

Feature	Microprocessor	Microcontroller
Definition	A general-purpose device, also known as a CPU.	A dedicated chip, also called a single-chip computer.
Components	Only a processor; memory and I/O need to be connected externally.	Includes processor, internal memory, and I/O components.
Circuit Size	Larger circuit due to external components.	Smaller internal circuit.
Use in Compact Systems	Not suitable for compact systems.	Suitable for compact systems.
Cost	Higher cost due to external components.	Lower cost due to integrated components.
Power Consumption	High power consumption; not ideal for battery-powered devices.	Low power consumption; suitable for battery-powered devices.
Power-Saving Features	Most do not have power-saving features.	Most offer a power-saving mode.
Common Use	Used mainly in personal computers.	Used in washing machines, MP3 players, and embedded systems.
Registers	Fewer registers; more memory-based operations.	More registers; easier to write programs.
Architecture Model	Based on the Von Neumann model.	Based on Harvard architecture.
Chip Composition	CPU on a single silicon-based integrated chip, no other peripherals.	CPU with RAM, ROM, and peripherals embedded on a single chip.
Bus Interface	Uses an external bus for interfacing.	Uses an internal controlling bus.
Speed	Can run at very high speeds.	Runs up to 200MHz or more, depending on the architecture.
Applications	Used for general-purpose applications, handling large amounts of data.	Used for application-specific systems.
Complexity	Complex and expensive with a large number of instructions to process.	Simple and inexpensive with fewer instructions to process.
Role	Heart of a computer system.	Heart of an embedded system.