Micro Processor

MICRO PROCESSOR

Micro Processor: It is a chip which takes input, perform the task and gives output.

(Or)

It is a multi-purpose programmable logic device

Factors on Which Microprocessor Performance Depends:

Ø  No Of Instructions

Ø  Clock speed

Ø  No of built in Transistors

Ø  Cache Memory

1MB L2 Cache

800

2.20GHZ Clock speed

No Of Instructions:

Types of Processors based on instruction set :

CISC                                                                 RISC

(Complex Instruction Set Computing)        (Reduced Instruction set Computing)

·        More instructions to execute the task       Less instructions to execute same task

·        Used in desktop ,laptop, core, dual core   Used in servers xeon, Itanium

Clock Speed:

This speed of microprocessor depends on various factors, such as the number of instructions it processes, the bandwidth and the clock speed. An instruction is a command that the microprocessor executes. The bandwidth specifies the number of binary digits that the microprocessor can processes in a single instruction. The clock speed specifies the speed at which the microprocessor varies from 66MHZ to 3.8 GHz.

No Of Built in Transistors:

The speed of microprocessor also depends on the number of transistors built into the processor. The Transistors in the microprocessor boost the data signals on the processor. The large number of transistors built on the microprocessor the faster is the speed of the microprocessor. The advancements in technology have reduced the size of the transistors and have increased the processing speed of the processor.

Cache Memory:

It is a small and fast memory which is located near the processor and it stores frequently accessed data. Most processors have level 2 cache to bridge the processor/memory performance gap. Level 2 cache is also uses the same control logic as level 1 cache. The size varies from 256KB to 8 MB.

Operating Voltage Of Microprocessor

Every microprocessor has a certain operating voltage specification. Lowering the Operating voltage of the microprocessor decreases the power consumption. Hence, microprocessors are used in numerous portable electronic devices like Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and Network computers.

Due to less power consumption, the system is less expensive to run. Portable or mobile systems are use the existing battery to operate for longer time. But, lower battery life of the equipment may be degrade the performance of the system.

Types of Processor

The launch of Intel Pentium microprocessor in 1993 enabled system to execute programs that required a lot of processing. Intel then gradually went on develop the Pentium II, Celeron, Pentium III and Pentium 4, Dual Core, Core2 Duo, CoreI3, Corei5 and corei7 processors for different purposes.

Hyper Threading

One physically processor logically acts as a two different processors.

Features of Intel Processors

·        64 Bit Architecture

·        Virtualization

·        Turbo boosting

·        Smart Cache

·        EIST (Enhanced Intel Step Technology)

·        EDB (execute disable bit)

64 Bit Architecture:

It allows the processor to run newly written 64 bit code memory and allows to access large amount of memory. Intel 64 architecture improves system performance by allowing the system to address more than 4GB of both virtual and physical memory. This technology is used in Pentium 4, Pentium D, Core 2 Processors, Corei3, Corei5 and Corei7 processors.

Virtualization:

It is a technology used to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine. Each virtual is machine running on a single physical machine sharing the resources of the same machine. Thus it reduces the power and cooling requirements.

Virtualization allows the computer to run the processor to run multiple operating systems simultaneously to get multiple services. Virtualization helps to build an efficient system by utilizing the available hardware resources. Virtualization technology increases the system security. Intel i3, i5 and i7 processors support virtualization.

Turbo Boosting:

The processor increases its clock speed based on work load automatically.

Smart Cache:

Intel Smart Cache allows each core to dynamically utilize up to 100% of available cache, while obtaining data from cache at higher throughput rate. If one core has minimal cache requirement, the other core can dynamically increase its share of cache, reducing misses.

EIST (Enhance Intel Speed Step Technology):

Enhanced Intel Speed Step Technology (EIST) allows the system to dynamically adjust processor voltage and core frequency, which can result in decreased average power consumption and decreased average heat production.

EDB (Execute Disable Bit):

Execute Disable Bit is an Intel hardware-based security feature that can help reduce system exposure to viruses and malicious code. EDB allows the processor to classify areas in memory where application code can or cannot execute. When a malicious worm attempts to insert code in the buffer, the processor disables code execution, preventing damage and worm propagation. To use Execute Disable Bit you must have a PC or server with a processor with Execute Disable Bit capability and a supporting operating system.

Microprocessor Sockets

The socket on the microprocessor to the motherboard. The microprocessor or socket has pins that allow the processor to communicate with the motherboard.

These motherboards use the Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) to install processor on the motherboard. The ZIF uses a laver to install or remove the micccroprocessor.

Different sockets support microprocessors with different voltage settings.

Socket PGA370

Socket 370 supports microprocessors that have 370 pins. In this socket, the pins are arranged in six rows.The microprocessors for this socket have the L2 cache built into the miccroprocessor.Thhis socket supports Celeron 2 and Pentium III microprocessors. Socket 370 appears as shown in below

Socket PGA478

Socket 478 supports microprocessors that have 4478 pins. The microprocessors for this socket have the L2 cache built into the microprocessor. Socket 478 is used with Intel Pentium 4 microprocessor. Socket 478 appears as shown below.

Socket LGA775

Socket LGA 775 is developed by intel. It is used with the latest processors such as the Intel Pentium 4 Extreme edition procecssors, Intel Pentium processors and the intel Pentium 4 processors with hyper Thearding technology. This socket also supports the 64 bit computing technology. It contains 775 pins  and is of  Land Grid Area ((LGA)- ZIF type. Socket LGA 775 Appears as shown below

Socket LGA 1156

Socket LGA 1156 is a grid array Intel CPU socket designet to replace LGA 775. This is also known as socket H. LGA 1156 allows following connections from processor to rest of the system.

·        PCI Expresss 2.0x 16 connection for communication with graphic cards.

·        Direct media interface (DMI) is used to communicate between IOH and ICH.

·        Two memory channels for communication with ddr3 SDram.

Intel Corei3, i5 and i7 processors are installed on this socket as shown below.

Socket LGA 1155

LGA 1155 is also known as Socket H2, the LGA 1155 CPU socket is used with Intel's 2nd Generation Core i7/i5/i3 series processors condenamed sandy Bridge. This 1155 circuit socket is a replacement of its predecessor the LGA 1156 Socket which mates withthe Nehlam procecssor. Sandy Bridge is a hallmark of Intel's 32nm microarchitecture technology with highly acclaimed features of break through pergormance ans capabilities.Socket 1155 as showen below:

Socket LGA 1366

LGA 1366 is a land grid array socket, also known as socket B. This socket has 1366 projecting pins, which touch the contact points on the processor. Socket B supports 3 channels of DDR3 memory through the processor's internal memory controller. Socket B uses quick path interconnect (QPI) with frequencies up to 3.2GHz to connect CPU to IOH. A direct media access (DMI) is used to connect IOH and ICH components. Core i7 and Xeon processors use these sockets.Socket LGA 1366 as shown below:

Installing the Microprocessor:

The microprocessor is the part of the computer that does all the processing. The microprocessor and the motherboard are dependent on each other. Before installing the processor on motherboard we must check that the motherboard and microprocessor are compatible with each other.

The Zero Onsertion Force (ZIF) socket uses a levr that makes it simpler and safer to install the microprocessor on the motherboard. This socket also makes it easy to remove the microprocessor from the motherboard without damaging the pins located on the underside of the microprocessor or the microprocessor itself.

Heat Sink

A heat sink is a component that is used to provide cooling to an eloctronic device. The heat sink absorbs heat from the electronic device and distibutes it to the surrounding environment. Most of the processors are equipped with heat sink that absorbs all the heat from the processor and distributes it to the surrounding environment.

A heat sink is as shown below:

Troubleshooting Processor

·        Overheating

·        Slow Processing

·        No Display

Overheating

A microprocessor produces heat while processing the data. The microprocessor also overheats hen it is performing beyond the recommended speed. Overheating can causes permanent damage to the microprocessor.For cooling devices such as a processor fan must be installed to cool down the microprocessor.

To solve the problem of overheating:

·        Check that the processor fan is installed and functioning properly.

·        Ensure that the heat sink compound or thermal paste is properly in contact with the processor and the heat sink assembly and is not dried up. If it is dries up then dab some thermal paste on the top of the processor as shown below.

Slow Processing:

A microprocessor runs slow if the speed settings are not correct or due to some dust near to the processor.

To solve the problem of slow processing:

·        Clean the system by the help of a hand blower.

·        Use a thin layer of heat sink compound on the top of the processor.

·        Check whether the microprocessor is compatible with the motherboard by referring to the manual.

·        Check the CPU fan whether it’s properly rotating at its recommended speed. Clean the fan

·        Check the jumper settings on the motherboard and the BIOS settings of the microprocessor and change to default settings.

·        Check if the microprocessor supports the applications that are running.

No Display:

The computer may encounter a problem of no display. One of the reasons may be due to processor failure. At this moment, the system generates beep codes about the processor failure. You may have to replace the processor in such a situation.

To solve the problem of no display:

·        Check whether the CPU fan is functioning properly.

·        Ensure that the processor with heat sink assembly is properly installed.

·        Clear the CMOS and check.

·        Check if the processor is getting core voltage. Put your index finger on top of the  processor so that you can understand whether processor is getting voltage or not. If it is overheated or cool then processor or power section problem.

·        Check the Voltage Regulators Ics near the processor using multimeter. If these voltge regulator Ics are ok then processor is faulty.

Conclusion: