This paper reviews the recent developments in microprocessors
and digital IC’s with a special attention to applications
to motion control area. First, the use of microprocessors and
digital IC’s in the control of electrical motor drives is considered.
General-purpose microprocessors and microcontror‘lers are then
presented with emphasis on features that are necessary *for the
implementation of real-time control systems. High-pegormance
advanced processors such as digital signal proces Tors (LISP’s),
reduced-instruction-set computing (RISC) processors, and parallel
processors are studied. Development and debugging tools required
for developing sophisticated microprocessor-based control systems
are considered. The capabilities of application-spec$c integrated
circuits (ASIC’s) in motion control and their design process are examined.
Typical application examples illustrating recent research
works in digital motion control using microprocessors and digital
IC’s are presented. The potentials of new devices are cmsidered
for application to high-pegormanre drive systems. Trends for
future development of the microprocessor technology for motion
control applications are projected.