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The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU contains three main components: the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) for calculations, the control unit for coordinating operations, and main memory for storing data and instructions. The ALU performs arithmetic and logic operations, the control unit directs data flow and controls operations, and main memory holds data for processing, output, and processed data. Main memory includes both read-only memory (ROM) for permanent storage and random access memory (RAM) for temporary storage of running applications. The CPU components communicate via buses that control data transfer and timing.

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101 views

The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU contains three main components: the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) for calculations, the control unit for coordinating operations, and main memory for storing data and instructions. The ALU performs arithmetic and logic operations, the control unit directs data flow and controls operations, and main memory holds data for processing, output, and processed data. Main memory includes both read-only memory (ROM) for permanent storage and random access memory (RAM) for temporary storage of running applications. The CPU components communicate via buses that control data transfer and timing.

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GreenFig
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Central

Processing Unit
(CPU)
Computer Technology
What is the CPU?

Introduction

The Central Processing Unit (Processor)


is that part of the computer that
decodes and executes instructions.
Decode : is a term used to describe the
process of attempting to interpret data

Execute: to do or perform
Functional elements of CPU

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) – in


this unit of CPU all the arithmetic
and logical operational are carried
out.
• Control unit – this unit coordinates
all processing activities in the CPU as
well as input, storage and output
operations.
• Main memory (primary storage) –
this unit provides storage location
for data and instructions accessed by
the control unit.
Functions of ALU, Control unit and main memory

• ALU
• Does all the mathematical computations in a computer.
• Does all the logic comparisons of values.
• Control unit
• Directs the flow of data into the CPU and storage memory.
• Controls the instructions the CPU will perform next.
• Main memory
• Holds data awaiting processing.
• Holds data that has been processed awaiting to be output.
• Holds data been processed.
Types of main memory

• 1. Read Only Memory (ROM) – this


memory is used to store programmed
instructions and data permanently or semi
permanently. Data and instructions stored
in ROM are those required to remain
unchanged for a long time

• Characteristics
• Can only be read but not written to.
• It is non-volatile i.e. its content is not lost
when computer is switched off.
• Stores permanent instructions from
manufacturer called firmware.
Types of ROM

a. Mask Read Only Memory (MROM) – once contents are written on it by the
manufacturer, it cannot be changed.
b. Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) – this allows the user to alter it only
once after the content is written on it.
c. Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) – the contents stored in this
memory can be erased by exposing them to ultraviolet light and then
reprogrammed for another use.
d. Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) – this memory
can be erased and reprogrammed using electricity.
Types of main memory

• 2. Random Access Memory (RAM) – it’s called


Random Access Memory (RAM) because its
content can be read directly regardless of the
sequence in which it was stored. It is used to
hold data and instructions needed by currently
running applications.

• Characteristics
• Data can be read (retrieved) and written
(stored) in it.
• It’s temporary (volatile), its contents
disappears when the computer is switched
off.
• Its contents is user defined i.e. user dictates
what is to be contained in the RAM

8
Types of RAM

Static RAM (SRAM) – it’s a very fast memory located


in microprocessor and holds its content as long as
there is power.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) – it holds its contents for a


short while even when the power is on. To maintain
its content, it must be refreshed severally per second.
Special purpose memory
1. Buffer – it’s a special purpose memory used during input/output or
processing to temporarily hold data or instructions between
communicating elements.
2. Cache memory – it’s a very high-speed type of SRAM whose purpose
is to allow the processor to access data instructions faster.
3. Register – they are temporarily storage locations within CPU that
holds one piece of data at a time.

10
Examples of registers

a. Accumulators – temporarily holds the results of the last processing


step of ALU.
b. Instruction registers – temporarily holds an instruction before it’s
interpreted into a form that CPU can understand it.
c. Address registers – temporarily holds next piece of data waiting to be
processed.
d. Storage registers – temporarily holds a piece of data that is on its way
to and from the CPU and main memory.
Functional organisation of CPU

• The arithmetic logic unit, control


unit and main memory are linked
through electrical pathways called
buses. A bus is an electrical path for
signal to flow from one point to
another in a circuit.
Types of computer • Control bus – this is a pathway for all timings and
controlling functions sent by the control unit to
buses other parts of the system.
• Address bus – this pathway is used to locate the
storage position in memory of the data to be
executed or an instruction to be decoded.
• Data bus – this is the pathway where the actual
data transfer takes place.
Types of processors and their clock speed

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