How did microprocessors make microcomputers possible?

Before the development of the microprocessor, computers were large, expensive systems—ranging from minicomputers the size of filing cabinets to mainframes that occupied entire rooms—used primarily for data processing and scientific calculations.1

The microprocessor made microcomputers possible by consolidating the central processing unit (CPU)—including all necessary arithmetic, logic, and control circuitry—onto a single integrated circuit chip. This breakthrough was driven by large-scale integration (LSI) technology, which allowed engineers to pack thousands of transistors onto a tiny piece of silicon.213

By replacing bulky, discrete components with a single, inexpensive, and versatile chip, engineers could design microcomputers that were small enough to fit on a desk or inside a lunch box while retaining sufficient power for business, industrial, and scientific tasks. The high-volume production of these chips led to a dramatic reduction in costs, which further fueled the mass production of personal computers and the computerization of various consumer products. As very large-scale integration (VLSI) continued to increase circuit density, the processing capacity of these systems grew exponentially, eventually blurring the lines between personal computers and high-performance workstations.2134