VALLEY VIEW UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: COSC 257

COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND MICROPROCESSOR SYSTEM

Lecture Two 2nd Oct. 2023

Martin Doe
Call/WhatsApp: 0242780967
[email protected]
Department of Information Technology
Valley View University
 COURSE CODE: COSC 257
COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND MICROPROCESSOR SYSTEM

By the end of this lecture, learners will be able to:

✓demonstrate understand CPU basics
✓Identify Central processing unit and its other divisions.
✓identify the role played by each divisions.
✓Outline the functionalities of the CPU
Central processing system
Central processing system
A CPU is the brain of a computer that interprets commands before executing
them.
The CPU interprets, processes and executes instructions, most often from the
hardware and software programs running on the device. The CPU performs
arithmetic, logic, and other operations to transform data input into more
usable information output.
The integrated circuit at the core of a computer system goes by
a few different names: the Central Processing Unit (CPU),
microprocessor, or, simply; processor. A microprocessor is a
single integrated circuit that implements the functions of a
processor.
Interactions between processor functional units
 Major elements of CPU
A typical CPU has three major parts:
1. The arithmetic/logic unit (ALU), which performs calculations;

2. Registers, which provides temporary storage for data to be used in

calculations, stores instructions that are currently running.
3. The control unit, apart from holding the instruction for ALU to perform the
operations, CU directs and sequences all operations of the ALU and registers as
well.
The control unit that is responsible for carrying out the sequential
execution of the stored programs.
 The arithmetic/logic unit (ALU)

An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a digital circuit used to perform

arithmetic and logic operations. It represents the fundamental building
block of the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer.
 The role of arithmetic/logic unit (ALU)
❖Performing arithmetic and logical operations on binary data.

❖The ALU receives input data from the computer's memory and
performs the requested operation.

❖The ALU is a critical component of the CPU, as it performs the

majority of the processing required by the computer.

❖The speed and efficiency of the ALU directly impact the overall
performance of the CPU and the computer as a whole.

❖Therefore, modern CPUs are designed with highly optimized ALUs

that can perform complex operations quickly and efficiently.
 Control Unit and its role
❖ A control unit, or CU, is circuit within a computer's processor that
directs operations.

❖ It instructs the memory, logic unit, and both output and input devices
of the computer on how to respond to the program's instructions.

❖ The Control Unit is the part of the computer's central processing unit
(CPU), which directs the operation of the processor. It was included
as part of the Von Neumann Architecture by John von Neumann.

❖ Ensuring instructions are executed in the correct sequence and timing.

 Control Unit and its role
❖ Manages and coordinates the operations of the CPU, including
fetching instructions from memory and holding it for operation to be
carried on by ALU.
 Why CPU is known to be the brain of a computer

1. Processing and Decision Making: The CPU is responsible for

executing instructions and performing calculations required for the
functioning of the computer. In a similar way to how the brain processes
information and makes decisions, the CPU processes data and performs
operations based on these instructions.

2. Control Centre: The CPU acts as a control centre, managing and

coordinating the activities of other components within the computer. It
determines the order and timing of operations, just as the brain controls
the various functions of the human body.
 Why CPU is known to be the brain of a computer

3. Information Processing: The CPU processes vast amounts of data,

just like the brain processes information from our senses. It takes input
from various sources (like memory, storage, and external devices),
processes this data, and generates output.

4. Memory and Learning: The CPU interacts with memory (RAM) to

retrieve and store data temporarily, similar to how the brain uses short-
term and long-term memory. This interaction and manipulation of data
enable the computer to "learn" and improve its performance over time.
 Why CPU is known to be the brain of a computer

5. Speed and Efficiency: The CPU processes instructions at incredibly

high speeds, making it the fastest component of the computer. This rapid
processing speed is often likened to the speed at which the brain
processes information.

6. Integration of Information: The CPU integrates information from

different parts of the system, processes it, and produces meaningful
output, much like how the brain integrates signals from various sensory
organs to create a complete perception.
Q&A
TEST YOUR MIND
 TEST YOUR MIND
1. Which of the following is not a division of the CPU?
a) ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
b) RAM (Random Access Memory)
c) CU (Control Unit)
d) Registers

2. The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is responsible for:

a) Fetching instructions from memory
b) Performing arithmetic and logical operations
c) Managing the flow of data within the CPU
d) Storing temporary data during processing
 TEST YOUR MIND
Q3. The primary role of the CPU in a computer system is to
a) Store and manage files and documents
b) Process data and execute instructions
c) Control input devices like keyboards and mice
d) Display output on the monitor

Q4. The CPU executes instructions in a specific order, controlled by

a) ALU
b) CU
c) Registers
d) RAM
 TEST YOUR MIND

Q5. Which type of computer architecture allows multiple instructions to

be executed simultaneously?
a. Parallel architecture
b. Von Neumann architecture
c. Harvard architecture
d. RISC architecture
 TEST YOUR MIND
Q1. Explain the role of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in the Central
Processing Unit (CPU) and provide examples of arithmetic and logical
operations it performs..

Q2. Differentiate between the Control Unit (CU) and the Arithmetic
Logic Unit (ALU) in the CPU. Explain how they work together to
execute instructions and manage data within the CPU.
 INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT
Assignment 1
Q1. Explain the role of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in the
Central Processing Unit (CPU) and provide examples of arithmetic
and logical operations it performs. Submission date: 16th Oct. 2023.

Assignment 2
Q2. Differentiate between the Control Unit (CU) and the Arithmetic
Logic Unit (ALU) in the CPU. Explain how they work together to
execute instructions and manage data within the CPU.
Submission date: 16th Oct. 2023

THE END