A Microprocessor is a multi-purpose, programmable, clock-driven, registered based, electronic storage device that reads binary instructions from a storage device called 'Memory', accepts binary data as input and process data according to those instructions and provides results as output. The microprocessor can be viewed as a programmable integrated device, that has computing capability similar to that of the C.P.U.

Now a days, the microprocessor is being used in a wide range of products called microprocessor based products or systems. The microprocessor can be embedded in larger system, can be stand-alone unit, controlling processor. It can be function as C.P.U. of the computer called a Microcomputer. The microprocessor application are classified primarily into two types :

1. Re-programmable System : In Re-programmable system such as microcomputer, the microprocessor is used for computing and data processing. These system include general purpose microprocessor or capable of handling large data, mass storage devices such as disc and CD-ROM peripheral such as printer. A personal computer is a example of a re-programmable system.

2. Embedded System : In this system, the microprocessor is a part of a final product and is not a variable for re-programming to the end-user. A coping machine is a example of embedded system. Embedded system can also viewed as product that use microprocessor to perform their operation, they are also known as microprocessor based products. For example : washing machine, graphic light controller and automatic dusting instruments.