It is called microprocessor to the electrical circuit made up of a large number of transistors that are integrated into a chip. Microprocessors allow the development of different functions in a computer (a computer).
Due to its complexity and relevance, it is common for the microprocessor to be referred to as the brain of the computers. This device takes care of the running the software, from the different applications to the operating system.
The motherboard (motherboard) of a computer includes a particular socket that enables the connection of the microprocessor. It usually also has one or more fans and a heat sink that prevent overheating and therefore minimize the possibility of high temperature damage from microprocessor operation.
The origins of microprocessors date back to 1971, when the Intel 4004. Created for a calculator, this microprocessor had 2300 transistors and an architecture of 4 bits. The most modern microprocessors, on the other hand, have more than 700 million transistors and architecture of 64 bit.
The advance of the technology is reflected in the exponential growth of the processability. As time went by, microprocessors began to execute more and more instructions – which are stored as binary numbers – in less time.
Ultimately, the microprocessor receives, calculates and analyzes data in different stages of execution. Their performance is linked to the number and duration of cycles (electromagnetic pulses) needed to carry out operations. The speed, meanwhile, it is measured in frequencies that reveal millions (MHz) or billions (GHz) cycles per second.
With regard to speed it is necessary to point out that it should not be taken as a parameter determinant of the performance of a microprocessor alone. There are others, such as its architecture, the instructions it can execute natively, the size of its transistors and its energy efficiency, which must be included in the equation to be able to judge it more precisely.
This also relates to testing in “real world” situations, that is, with programs and tasks that the vast majority of users perform on a daily basis. In general, microprocessors, both those of CPUs (Central processing unit) and GPUs (Graphic Processing Unit) they are subjected to different evaluations using programs specifically developed to measure their different properties with extreme levels of demand; However, they are of little use if they do not reflect the use they will receive in terms normal.
With regard to the assembly of microprocessors, one of the most used technologies is called Flip chip, which also affects the way of packaging and mounting. First of all, we can say that it avoids the use of precision welding machines and expands the number of parts that can be assembled at the same time. With regard to packaging, the size of the integrated circuit can be considerably smaller.
Let’s see the stages of the process below:
* the contacts of the microprocessor connections are located at the top for later mounting on the board or on another chip. When two or more chips are placed in layers, either vertically or horizontally to form one, only one speaks of three-dimensional chip;
* the pads exteriors are metallized;
* solder paste balls are placed on all contacts that have been metallized;
* the chip must be oriented so that the contacts and the paste are located on the underside;
* The pads of the microprocessor must be aligned with those of the surface on which it will be placed, after which hot air is used to melt the material of the microprocessor. welding;
* the space between the microprocessor and the surface must be filled with an insulating adhesive.
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