BPU, CPU, DPU, GPU, IPU, MCU, MPU, NPU, SoC,TPU 区别

注：机翻，未校。

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Difference between CPU, MPU, MCU, SOC and SOPC

August 25, 2023

What is CPU? 什么是 CPU？

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the computational and control core of a computer.
CPU（中央处理器）是计算机的计算和控制核心。

The CPU is composed of an arithmetic logic unit, a control unit, registers, and buses that facilitate communication between them. Its primary functions include interpreting computer instructions and processing data in computer software.
CPU 由一个算术逻辑单元、一个控制单元、寄存器和促进它们之间通信的总线组成。其主要功能包括解释计算机指令和在计算机软件中处理数据。

Before the 1970s, central processors consisted of multiple independent units. Later, integrated circuit-manufactured central processors, known as microprocessors, emerged. These highly compact components are what we refer to as microprocessors, and the most complex circuits within them are designed as powerful individual units, commonly known as cores.
在 1970 年代之前，中央处理器由多个独立的单元组成。后来，出现了集成电路制造的中央处理器，称为微处理器。这些高度紧凑的组件就是我们所说的微处理器，其中最复杂的电路被设计成强大的单个单元，通常称为内核。

The operation of almost all CPUs can be divided into four stages: Fetch, Decode, Execute, and Writeback. The CPU retrieves instructions from memory or high-speed cache, places them in an instruction register, decodes them, and then executes the instructions. The concept of a computer’s programmability primarily pertains to programming the CPU.
几乎所有 CPU 的操作都可以分为四个阶段：Fetch、Decode、Execute 和 Writeback。CPU 从内存或高速缓存中检索指令，将它们放入指令寄存器中，对其进行解码，然后执行指令。计算机可编程性的概念主要与对 CPU 进行编程有关。

What is MPU? 什么是 MPU？

An MPU (Micro Processor Unit), also known as a microprocessor, is a programmable special integrated circuit.
MPU（微处理器单元），也称为微处理器，是一种可编程的特殊集成电路。

An MPU is just a processor that needs to be paired with numerous other peripherals like memory to constitute a system.
MPU 只是一个处理器，需要与许多其他外围设备（如内存）配对才能构成一个系统。

Microprocessors typically represent powerful CPUs (akin to enhanced CPUs). These chips often serve as the core CPU in computers and high-end systems.
微处理器通常代表强大的 CPU（类似于增强型 CPU）。这些芯片通常用作计算机和高端系统中的核心 CPU。

They gained significant popularity in the 1980s when microcomputers and gaming consoles utilized MPUs. Over time, MPUs have become smaller in size. Nowadays, only Intel and AMD’s x86 series CPUs are considered as MPUs. These CPUs have also become increasingly complex, and labeling them as “microprocessors” might be somewhat inadequate.
它们在 1980 年代微型计算机和游戏机使用 MPU 时获得了极大的普及。随着时间的推移，MPU 的尺寸变得越来越小。目前，只有 Intel 和 AMD 的 x86 系列 CPU 被视为 MPU。这些 CPU 也变得越来越复杂，将它们标记为“微处理器”可能有些不足。

In the realm of personal computers, you can observe motherboards similar to the diagram above. By attaching components like the CPU, memory modules, sound cards, etc., a complete computer system is formed. The entire motherboard is large in size and intricate in manufacturing.
在个人电脑领域，您可以观察到类似于上图的主板。通过连接 CPU、内存模块、声卡等组件，形成一个完整的计算机系统。整个主板体积大，制造复杂。

What is MCU? 什么是 MCU？

An MCU (Micro Control Unit), also known as a microcontroller, refers to a microcomputer where, with the emergence and development of large-scale integrated circuits, the central processor, memory, timers/counters, various input/output interfaces, etc., are all integrated onto a single chip. It can operate with minimal components (such as resistors, capacitors) to form a minimal system capable of running code.
MCU（Micro Control Unit），也称为微控制器，是指随着大规模集成电路的出现和发展，将中央处理器、存储器、定时器/计数器、各种输入/输出接口等全部集成在单个芯片上的微型计算机。它可以使用最少的组件（例如电阻器、电容器）来构建能够运行代码的最小系统。

Compared to the general-purpose microprocessors used in personal computers, an MCU emphasizes self-sufficiency (not relying on external hardware) and cost-effectiveness.
与个人计算机中使用的通用微处理器相比，MCU 强调自给自足（不依赖外部硬件）和成本效益。

Its greatest advantage is its compact size, allowing it to be placed within devices, but it has limited storage capacity, simple input/output interfaces, and lower functionality.
它最大的优点是体积小巧，可以放置在设备内，但它的存储容量有限，输入/输出接口简单，功能较低。

The development of MCUs has gone through phases including 8-bit 8051 microcontrollers, 16-bit AVR microcontrollers, and 32-bit STM microcontrollers.
MCU 的开发经历了 8 位 8051 微控制器、16 位 AVR 微控制器和 32 位 STM 微控制器等多个阶段。

MCUs integrate processors and various modules such as USB controllers, UART controllers, memory, Flash, etc. With only a few external components, an electronic system can be built.
MCU 集成了处理器和各种模块，如 USB 控制器、UART 控制器、存储器、闪存等。只需几个外部元件，就可以构建一个电子系统。

What is SOC and SOPC? 什么是 SOC 和 SOPC？

A System on a Chip (SOC) is an integrated circuit that integrates a computer or other electronic systems onto a single chip.
片上系统 （SOC） 是将计算机或其他电子系统集成到单个芯片上的集成电路。

Embedded Wi-Fi SoC Chip W600

To provide a comparison: an MCU is chip-level, while an SOC is system-level. It combines the advantages of MCUs and MPUs, having built-in RAM and ROM while also being powerful like an MPU. It can store and execute system-level code, meaning it can run operating systems (primarily Linux OS).
做个比较：MCU 是芯片级的，而 SOC 是系统级的。它结合了 MCU 和 MPU 的优点，具有内置 RAM 和 ROM，同时也像 MPU 一样强大。它可以存储和执行系统级代码，这意味着它可以运行操作系统（主要是 Linux 操作系统）。

Additionally, SOPC is a concept worth understanding. Compared to the aforementioned concepts, SOPC is not as frequently encountered, but its significance remains undiminished.
此外，SOPC 是一个值得理解的概念。与上述概念相比，SOPC 并不经常遇到，但其重要性仍然没有减弱。

SOPC (System On a Programmable Chip) allows hardware configurations to be changed, meaning you can construct your own chip.
SOPC （System On a Programmable Chip） 允许更改硬件配置，这意味着您可以构建自己的芯片。

MCU Vs. MPU MCU 与 MPU

The MCU integrates on-chip peripheral devices, and you can directly add simple peripheral devices (resistors, capacitors) to run the code. In essence, it is still a complete single-chip microcomputer with a processor and various interfaces. All development is based on the existing system architecture. What the user needs to do is to develop software programs and add external devices.
MCU 集成了片上外设，您可以直接添加简单的外设（电阻、电容）来运行代码。从本质上讲，它仍然是一台完整的单片机，带有处理器和各种接口。所有开发都基于现有的系统架构。用户需要做的是开发软件程序并添加外部设备。

The MPU does not have peripheral devices (such as memory arrays), it is a highly integrated general-purpose processor, and it is an MCU that removes integrated peripherals. MCU, such as ARM’s Cortex-A series, cannot run the code directly, because it is essentially an enhanced version of the CPU, and corresponding RAM and ROM must be added.
MPU 没有外围设备（如内存阵列），它是一个高度集成的通用处理器，它是一个去除集成外设的 MCU。MCU 比如 ARM 的 Cortex-A 系列，不能直接运行代码，因为它本质上是 CPU 的增强版，必须增加相应的 RAM 和 ROM。

Feature	Microcontroller (MCU)	Microprocessor (M