Microprocessor architecture encompasses the structural and functional design of data processing units, including the construction of logic circuits, and the distribution of computing units, memory, and data buses. Different architectures can be optimised for performance, energy efficiency, or complex calculations.
Microprocessor architecture
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Computing unit (CPU/GPU): It is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations.
- Memory units (cache, RAM): They store temporary data to speed up access.
- Data buses: Connections between different components of the circuit.
- Control units: They manage the flow of data and the order in which instructions are executed.
Industry usage
- Supercomputers: High-performance processors for scientific computing.
- Mobile devices: Energy-efficient processors optimised for low power consumption.
- AI systems: Processors with parallel processing units.
- Industrial controllers: Efficient systems for automation and robotics systems.
Importance for the economy
The development of new microprocessor architectures is crucial to the competitiveness of the electronics industry. It enables the development of innovative products, such as advanced AI systems, industrial automation, and modern mobile devices. The new architectures have a direct impact on the performance, energy savings, and hardware capabilities of the devices.
Related technologies
Mechanism of action
- The architecture of microprocessors defines how instructions are processed and data is transferred between components of the circuit. This includes memory management, interrupt handling, and parallel instruction processing. Modern architectures take advantage of multicore, hyper-threading, and data flow optimisation.
Advantages
- Efficiency: Increasing the speed of data processing.
- Energy efficiency: Better optimisation for low energy consumption.
- Multifunctionality: Ability to handle a variety of tasks, e.g. AI and parallel processing.
- Miniaturisation: Reducing the size of circuits and equipment.
- Flexibility: Adapting architecture to specific applications.
Disadvantages
- Risk of incompatibility: New architectures may not be compatible with existing software.
- Cooling problems: Complex architectures generate more heat.
- Cybersecurity: The new structures may have security gaps that were not present in previous generations.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Engineers who design integrated circuits.
- Advanced EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools.
- R&D labs to test new solutions.
- High-performance semiconductor components.
- Access to specialised production factories (fabless/fab).
Required competences
- IC design: Knowledge of EDA tools.
- Computer architecture: Ability to create complex logical structures.
- Software engineering: Knowledge of low-level programming.
- Energy optimisation: Designing systems for low energy consumption.
- Hardware security: Implementation of hardware protection mechanisms.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: Modern architectures minimise energy consumption through better resource management.
- Raw material consumption: They require the use of high-quality materials, such as silicon and metal alloys.
- Emissions of pollutants: Designing new architectures requires energy-intensive simulation processes.
- Waste generated: Prototyping generates electronic waste.
- Recycling difficulties: Complex architectures can make recycling difficult due to the use of specialised materials.
- Other: Impact on energy consumption of terminal equipment.
Legal conditions
- Environmental standards: REACH and RoHS regarding the use of hazardous substances.
- Cleanliness standards: Standards for laboratories and cleanrooms (ISO 14644).
- Intellectual property: Patents on new architectures and hardware solutions.
- Export regulations: Export limitations of advanced microprocessor architectures (e.g. ITAR).
- Data security: Hardware security standards (e.g. TPM).
- Other: Cryptographic security issues and Cybersecurity regulations.