8085 Microprocessor vs. Modern Microcontrollers

Attribute	8085 Microprocessor	Modern Microcontrollers
Year of Introduction	1977	Varies
Architecture	Von Neumann	Harvard
Instruction Set	8-bit	8/16/32-bit
Memory	64 KB	Varies (from KB to GB)
Speed	2-3 MHz	Up to GHz
Integrated Peripherals	Minimal	Extensive
Power Consumption	High	Low

Introduction

The 8085 microprocessor was introduced by Intel in 1976 and was one of the first microprocessors to be widely used in various applications. On the other hand, modern microcontrollers are highly integrated chips that combine a microprocessor core with memory, input/output peripherals, and other features on a single chip. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the 8085 microprocessor with modern microcontrollers.

Architecture

The 8085 microprocessor is an 8-bit microprocessor with a simple architecture consisting of an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), control unit, and registers. It has a 16-bit address bus and an 8-bit data bus. Modern microcontrollers, on the other hand, have more complex architectures with 32-bit or even 64-bit cores, multiple cores, and advanced features such as floating-point units, digital signal processors, and hardware accelerators for encryption and decryption.

Memory

The 8085 microprocessor has a limited amount of memory space, with 64 KB of addressable memory. It requires external memory chips for program and data storage. Modern microcontrollers, on the other hand, come with built-in flash memory for program storage and RAM for data storage. They also support external memory interfaces for expanding the memory capacity if needed.

Peripherals

The 8085 microprocessor requires external chips for interfacing with peripherals such as input/output devices, timers, and communication interfaces. Modern microcontrollers, on the other hand, come with a wide range of built-in peripherals such as analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, UARTs, SPI, I2C, USB, Ethernet, and more. This makes it easier to interface with various devices without the need for additional external components.

Power Consumption

The 8085 microprocessor is a power-hungry chip that consumes a significant amount of power, especially when running at higher clock speeds. Modern microcontrollers, on the other hand, are designed to be power-efficient, with low-power modes and features such as sleep modes, power gating, and dynamic voltage scaling. This makes them ideal for battery-powered and energy-efficient applications.

Development Tools

Developing software for the 8085 microprocessor requires a separate development kit with an assembler, debugger, and programmer. Modern microcontrollers, on the other hand, have a wide range of development tools available, including integrated development environments (IDEs), compilers, debuggers, and simulators. They also support programming languages such as C, C++, and even higher-level languages like Python.

Cost

The 8085 microprocessor is a relatively inexpensive chip compared to modern microcontrollers, mainly due to its simpler architecture and limited features. Modern microcontrollers, on the other hand, are more expensive but offer a higher level of integration and functionality. The cost of a microcontroller also depends on factors such as the core architecture, memory size, and number of peripherals.

Applications

The 8085 microprocessor was used in a wide range of applications such as industrial control systems, embedded systems, and consumer electronics. Modern microcontrollers, on the other hand, are used in a much broader range of applications, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wearable devices, automotive systems, robotics, and more. Their advanced features and high level of integration make them suitable for a wide variety of applications.