The memory management unit is a dedicated hardware block, typically integrated into the CPU, responsible for handling all memory and caching operations. Its primary job is translating virtual addresses requested by the operating system into the actual physical addresses on the RAM chips. It also enforces memory protection, preventing one process from reading or overwriting the memory space of another.
The processor hit a page fault because the MMU couldn't resolve the virtual address in the translation lookaside buffer.
Microcontrollers usually lack a full MMU, running instead on flat physical memory, which is why they cannot run full desktop operating systems like standard Linux.
Related terms
CPU
The central processing unit is the primary logic chip that executes instructions and coordinates system operations.
Microprocessor
An integrated circuit that contains all the functions of a central processing unit.
Central processing unit
The primary silicon processor responsible for fetching, decoding, and executing instructions in a computer system.