Part of the Microprocessors glossary:

A coprocessor is a special set of circuit s in a microprocessor chip that is designed to manipulate numbers or perform some other specialized function more quickly than the basic microprocessor circuits could perform the same task. A coprocessor offloads specialized processing operations, thereby reducing the burden on the basic microprocessor circuitry and allowing it to work at optimum speed.

Next Steps

In the early years of personal computing, the coprocessor was physically separate from the main microprocessor. Starting with the Intel Pentium and Motorola 68000 series, the coprocessor, also known as a math coprocessor, numeric coprocessor, or floating-point unit ( FPU ), became a physical part of the microprocessor chip. Some coprocessors are still available as separate chips or circuit cards. These are designed for specific applications such as high-end graphics, broadband signal processing , and encryption / decryption . Coprocessors of this type make it possible to customize the various models in a line of personal or business computers.

>> Stay up to date by receiving the latest IT term daily. Simply check "Word of the Day" to register.

This was last updated in November 2005
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

Related Terms

Definitions

  • floating point unit (FPU)

    - A floating point unit (FPU), also known as a math coprocessor or numeric coprocessor, is a specialized coprocessor that manipulates numbers more quickly than the basic microprocessor circuitry. The... (SearchWinIT.com)

  • acceleration hardware

    - Acceleration hardware is a general term that refers to devices that speed up data communications, storage and retrieval, encryption and decryption, mathematical operations, graphics, and Web page v... (SearchNetworking.com)

  • arithmetic-logic unit (ALU)

    - An arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) is the part of a computer processor (CPU) that carries out arithmetic and logic operations on the operands in computer instruction words. (SearchCIO-Midmarket.com)

Glossaries

  • Microprocessors

    - Terms related to microprocessors, including definitions about silicon chips and words and phrases about computer processors.

  • Hardware

    - Terms related to computer hardware, including definitions about cables, connectors and power supply units and words and phrases about computing peripheral devices including the keyboard, mouse, au...

  • Electronics

    - Terms related to electronics, including definitions about electrical components and words and phrases about computers, laptops parts, digital cameras, televisions and home appliances.

Dig Deeper

People Who Read This Also Read...

Ask a Question. Find an Answer.Powered by ITKnowledgeExchange.com

Ask An IT Question

Get answers from your peers on your most technical challenges

Ask Question

Tech TalkComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.
    Back to top