1. A microprocessor is a computer processor that incorporates the functions of computer’s central processing unit (CPU) on a single integrated circuit (IC), or at most a few integrated circuits. The microprocessor is a multipurpose, programmable device that accepts digital data as input, processes it according to instructions stored in its memory, and provides results as output.
2. A digital signal processor (DSP) is a specialized microprocessor (or a SIP block), with its architecture optimized for the operational needs of digital signal processing.
3. A graphics processing unit (GPU), also occasionally called visual processing unit (VPU), is a specialized electronic circuit designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display.
4. A microcontroller (sometimes abbreviated µC, uC or MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. Program memory in the form of NOR flash or OTP ROM is also often included on chip, as well as a typically small amount of RAM.
5. Advantages of Microcontrollers
a) Microcontrollers act as a microcomputer without any digital parts.
b) As the higher integration inside microcontroller reduce cost and size of the system.
c) Usage of microcontroller is simple, easy for troubleshoot and system maintaining.
d) Most of the pins are programmable by the user for performing different functions.
e) Easily interface additional RAM, ROM,I/O ports.
f) Low time required for performing operations.
6. Disadvantages of Microcontrollers
a) Microcontrollers have got more complex architecture than that of microprocessors.
b) Only perform limited number of executions simultaneously.
c) Mostly used in micro-equipment.
d) Cannot interface high power devices directly.
7. Semiconductor memory is an electronic data storage device, often used as computer, implemented on a semiconductor-based integrated circuit. It is made in many different types and technologies.
8. Dynamic RAM: loses its stored information in a very short time (for milli sec.) even when power supply is on. D-RAM’s are cheaper & lower.
Static RAM uses a completely different technology. S-RAM retains stored information only as long as the power supply is on.

9. There are five basic ROM types: 1. ROM - Read Only Memory 2. PROM - Programmable Read Only Memory 3. EPROM - Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory 4. EEPROM - Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory 5. Flash EEPROM memory

10. A central processing unit (CPU) is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions. The term has been used in the computer industry at least since the early 1960s.

11. In computing, memory refers to the devices used to store information for use in a computer. The term primary memory is used for storage systems which function at high-speed (i.e. RAM), as a distinction from secondary memory, which provides program and data storage that is slow to access but offer higher memory capacity.

12. The interface port is a serial communication port device, which transfers in and transfers out data from other devices one bit at a time. The interface port is used to connect computer through other devices that include terminals and other peripherals.

13. Data Highway is a network of computer networks, other devices, and switching systems used for the transfer of digitized information. The integrated circuitry of a computer chip.

14. The Von Neumann architecture, also known as the Von Neumann model and Princeton architecture, is a computer architecture based on that described in 1945 by the mathematician and physicist John von Neumann and others in the First. This describes a design architecture for an electronic digital computer with parts consisting of a processing unit containing an arithmetic logic unit and processor, a control unit containing an register and program counter, a memory to store both data and instructions, external mass storage, and output mechanisms.

15. The Harvard architecture is a computer architecture with physically separate storage and signal pathways for instructions and data. The term originated from the Harvard Mark I relay-based computer, which stored instructions on punched tape (24 bits wide) and data in electro-mechanical counters. These early machines had data storage entirely contained within the central processing unit, and provided no access to the instruction storage as data. Programs needed to be loaded by an operator; the processor could not initialize itself.