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Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

The CPU, also called the processor, interprets and carries out instructions to operate the computer. It consists of a control unit, arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), and registers. The control unit directs operations by fetching instructions from memory, decoding them, executing commands, and writing results back to memory. The ALU performs arithmetic and logic operations on data. Registers temporarily store data and instructions during processing. Main memory holds data, instructions, and results, while secondary storage supplements main memory for long-term and mass storage.

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99 views4 pages

Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

The CPU, also called the processor, interprets and carries out instructions to operate the computer. It consists of a control unit, arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), and registers. The control unit directs operations by fetching instructions from memory, decoding them, executing commands, and writing results back to memory. The ALU performs arithmetic and logic operations on data. Registers temporarily store data and instructions during processing. Main memory holds data, instructions, and results, while secondary storage supplements main memory for long-term and mass storage.

Uploaded by

Helen Muriuki
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© © All Rights Reserved
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CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT(CPU)

The Cpu also called the processor is the electronic device that interprets and carries out the instructions
that

operate the computer. It consists of :

i) Control unit

ii) Arithmetic and logic unit

iii) Registers

iv) Bus lines

i) Control unit.

This unit directs and coordinates most of the operations in the computer. For every instruction the
control unit

repeats the following functions.

♦ Fetching the instruction or data item from memory.

♦ Decoding the instruction into commands the computer understands.

♦ Executing the commands.

♦ Storing or writing the results into the memory.

♦ Issues necessary control signals to various parts of the computer system.

ii) Arithmetic and logic unit.

Performs the arithmetic, comparison and logic operations to data. Logical operations work with
conditions and

logical operators such as AND, OR and NOT.

Iii) The registers are used by the cpu for temporary storage of data and instructions. The functions
include

Storing the location from where the instruction was fetched.

Storing an instruction while it is being decoded.

Control Unit (CU)

- Interprets stored instructions;

- Issues commands to all elements of the

computer

Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU)


Performs arithmetic & logic operations

Main memory (Primary storage)

- Holds data, instructions & results of

processing

Secondary (Backing) storage

To supplement Main storage

Input device

Input data &

instructions

Output device

Gives out information (result of

data processing)

Storing data while the ALU processes it.

Storing the results of the calculation.

Examples Accumulator, current instruction register, program counter, memory buffer register.

MEMORY.

The main memory carries out the following functions.

Stores the operating system and other software’s being run in the computer

Stores data being processed.

Stores instructions awaiting execution

Stores instructions being executed.

Stores data awaiting outputing.

The system unit contains two types of memory.

a) Volatile memory: This type will lose its memory content when power is switched off. This type is

represented by RAM. RAM is a memory chip that the processor can read from and write to.

b) Non volatile memory: This type of memory does not lose its memory content when power is switched
off. It

is rep[resented by: ROM. ROM is a a memory chip that only can be read and used during the normal
operation of the computer. Ie it cannot be modified.

The backing storage: the backing storage stores data and programs permanently outside the system
unit. It is

characterised by mass storage because it is cheap and easy to fabricate as opposed to the main
memory.

Examples include : Magnetic diskettes, hard disk, CD ROM, Magnetic tape.

• Main memory:

o very closely connected to the processor.

o the contents are quickly and easily changed.

o holds the programs and data that the processor is actively working with.

o interacts with the processor millions of times per second.

comparison between RAM and ROM

RAM ROM

• Can read and write on this memory read only memory

• Its volatile non-volatile

• Its temporary it is permanent

• Its content are user defined its contents are not user defined

• Secondary memory:

o connected to main memory through the bus and a controller.

o the contents are easily changed, but this is very slow compared to main memory.

o used for long-term storage of programs and data.

o The processor only occasionally interacts with secondary memory.

Differences between primary and secondary memory

Primary memory Secondary memory

1. Fast

2. Expensive

3. Low capacity

4. Connects directly to the processor

1. Slow
2. Cheap

3. Large capacity

4. Not connected directly to the processor

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