Microcontrollers & Processors

What Is a Microprocessor (MPU)?

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Quick answer

A microprocessor (MPU) is the central processing unit of a computer that does the computing; but unlike a microcontroller, it needs memory and most peripherals externally.

How Does It Work?

An MPU holds only the processor core (and cache). To work it needs external RAM, external storage (Flash/eMMC) and peripheral chips. This structure provides high performance and flexibility.

Difference From an MCU

An MCU gathers everything on one chip and is ideal for small jobs. An MPU is far more powerful but needs memory and support chips around it; it's used for complex, high-computation systems.

Property	MPU	MCU
Memory	External	Inside
Power/performance	High	Low-medium
Operating system	Usually (Linux)	Usually none

It Runs an Operating System

Thanks to its high memory and power, an MPU usually runs a full operating system like Linux. This brings advanced capabilities like a file system, networking and a graphical interface.

Where Is It Used?

Smartphones, single-board computers (Raspberry Pi), network devices, industrial controllers and multimedia systems.

Common Mistakes

MPU for a simple job: using an MPU to read a single sensor brings needless cost and complexity.
Power/heat: high performance means more power and heat.
Board design: external memory/high-speed lines need careful PCB design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Raspberry Pi use an MPU?+

Yes; it has an MPU-based SoC and runs Linux.

Should I choose an MPU or an MCU?+

An MCU for simple control and low power; an MPU for networking, a display and heavy computation.

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