Unit 4: Hardware
Learning Objectives
You will learn to:
understand the role of the central processing unit (CPU) in a computer
understand what is meant by a microprocessor
understand the purpose of the components in a CPU, in a computer that has a
Von Neumann architecture
describe the process of the fetch–decode–execute cycle including the role of
each component in the process
Vocabulary
microprocessor
clock rates
hertz
registers
Let Us Start
Great question. The CPU
communicates with input and output
Hey, you know that the CPU is often devices to interact with the outside
referred to as the brain of the world. It fetches and executes
computer. Just like or brains instructions, communicates with
process information and make memory and input/output devices,
decisions, the CPU performs the and performs the given task.
same functions in a computer. But I
am wondering, how does the CPU
know what to do?
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Let Us Explore
We know that the computer is an advance electronic device which takes raw data as
input then processes these data as per given instructions then gives out the result
and store it for the future use.
Complete the graphic organiser to show the working of a computer system. Use the
components given below to complete it.
CPU Memory Storage Output Input
Get, Set, Go
4.1 Role of Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is the brain of the computer. It is the device that carries out software
instructions. The INTEL CORE: i3, i5, i7 and i9 are examples of a CPU. It controls what
the computer does and performs calculations and data processing. It also handles the
movement of data to and from system memory. CPUs come in a variety of speeds
which are known as 'clock rates'. Clock rates are measured in 'Hertz'. Generally, the
faster the clock rate, the faster the performance of the computer.
Check for Understanding
State True (T) or False (F):
1. CPU only handles the movement of data to and from system memory. ________
2. The clock rates of CPUs are measured in volts. ___________
3. Higher the clock rate, the slower the performance of the computer. ___________
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Assignment
Explore and find out the different brands that manufacture CPUs. Also, find the ones
with the fastest speed.
4.2 Microprocessor
A microprocessor is a small electronic device that serves as a computer's central
processing unit (CPU). It is a type of integrated circuit on a single chip. An integrated
circuit is a small electronic circuit made up of transistors, capacitors, resistors and other
electronic components. The integrated circuit contains a central processor designed
to perform arithmetic and logic operations, which include adding, subtracting,
transferring numbers from one memory location to another, and comparing two
numbers. The single chip also contains input/output interfaces and memory.
Microprocessors are a compact way of processing data and can be used in various
electronic devices.
Activity 1
Make a list of devices in which microprocessors are found.
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4.3 Von Neumann Architecture
Von Neumann's architecture describes the organisation and operation of a computer's
central processing unit (CPU) and its interaction with memory and input/output
devices. John Von Neumann developed the concept of the stored program computer
in the 1940s. The Von Neumann computer architecture which most modern-day
computers use, is based upon the following concept
Data and instructions are stored in the same memory (RAM) as binary
Central Processing Unit (CPU) fetches instructions from memory and executes
them one at a time (serially) The CPU then stores the results back into memory
Components of Central Processing Unit
Control Unit (CU)
The control unit coordinates and controls all the other parts of the CPU. It tells the
ALU what to do with an instruction passed to them. The CU decodes the instructions
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retrieved from memory and instructs the ALU to perform an arithmetic or logic
instruction on the data from the decoded instruction.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
The ALU performs the calculations or logic that the control unit has decoded. Some
of the common processes include:
Addition
Subtraction
Division
Multiplication
Selection
Repetition
Memory Unit
The memory unit consists of RAM, sometimes referred to as primary or main memory.
Unlike a hard drive, this memory is fast and also directly accessible by the CPU. RAM
is split into partitions. Each partition consists of an address and its contents. The
address will uniquely identify every location in the memory. Loading data from
permanent memory (hard drive), into the faster and directly accessible temporary
memory (RAM), allows the CPU to operate much quicker.
Registers
A register is a type of memory inside the CPU. Registers are used to hold temporary
data while a software program is running. As the CPU processes the data, the software
program will shift the data in and out of the registers.
In a processor based on the Von Neumann architecture, there are five important
registers used for processing:
1. Program Counter (PC): This register holds the memory address of the next
instruction that needs to be fetched from the primary storage.
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2. Memory Address Register (MAR): The MAR holds the address of the current
instruction being fetched from memory, or it holds the address where data
needs to be transferred.
3. Memory Data Register (MDR): The MDR holds the contents found at the
address stored in the MAR. It can also hold data that needs to be transferred
to the primary storage.
4. Current Instruction Register (CIR): The CIR holds the instruction currently
being decoded and executed by the processor.
5. Accumulator (ACC): The ACC is a special-purpose register used by the
arithmetic logic unit (ALU). It holds the data being processed and stores the
results of calculations performed by the ALU.
Activity 2
Match the following.
Column A Column B
1. Program Counter a. holds the contents found at the
address stored in the MAR
2. Memory Address Register b. holds the instruction currently being
decoded and executed by the
processor
3. Memory Data Register c. holds the memory address of the
next instruction that needs to be
fetched from the primary storage
4. Current Instruction Register d. holds the data being processed and
stores the results of calculations
performed by the ALU.
5. Accumulator e. holds the address of the current
instruction being fetched from
memory
1. __________ 2. __________ 3. _____________ 4_____________ 5. _________
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The fetch-decode-execute cycle
The Von-Neumann Architecture is based on the principle of:
Fetch an Instruction Fetch
instructions
Decode the Instruction
Execute the Instruction
Execute Decode
Instructions instructions
The data and instructions are stored as binary digits (0 and 1) in primary memory.
These instructions are fetched from memory one at a time and in a serial order.
The processor decodes and executes an instruction before cycling around to fetch
the next instruction. The cycle continues until no more instructions are available.
Did You Know?
The Von Neumann architecture, named after mathematician and computer
scientist John Von Neumann, is a fundamental design concept for modern
computer systems.
Check for Understanding
Identify the correct statement related to the Von Neumann model.
Statement
The basic Von Neumann architecture is defined as one composed
of a CPU, two memory spaces, an input unit and an output unit
Data and instructions are stored in the same memory.
Instructions are fetched from memory in random order.
The processor decodes and executes an instruction before cycling
around to fetch the next instruction.
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Unit Review
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) controls what the computer does and performs
calculations and data processing.
2. CPUs come in a variety of speeds which are known as 'clock rates'. Clock rates are
measured in 'Hertz'.
3. A microprocessor is a small electronic device that serves as a computer's central
processing unit (CPU).
4. An integrated circuit is a small electronic circuit made up of transistors,
capacitors, resistors and other electronic components.
5. Von Neumann's architecture describes the organization and operation of a
computer's central processing unit (CPU).
6. The CU decodes the instructions retrieved from memory and instructs the ALU to
perform an arithmetic or logic instruction on the data from the decoded
instruction.
7. The ALU performs the calculations or logic that the control unit has decoded.
8. The memory unit consists of RAM, sometimes referred to as primary or main
memory use to store and access the data.
9. Registers are used to hold temporary data while a software program is running.
10. The five registers used for processing in Von Neumann's architecture are Program
Counter, Memory Address Register, Memory Data Register, Current Instruction
Register and Accumulator.
11. The Von Neumann computer architecture which most modern-day computers
use.
12. The Von-Neumann Architecture is based on the principle of the ‘fetch decode
execute’ cycle.
Check for Understanding
1. Circle the three components of Von Neumann's architecture.
Main Memory Secondary Memory Input Devices
Output Devices CPU Interconnection between memory and CPU
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2. Answer the following questions.
a. What do you mean by a microprocessor?
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b. Reena has a computer with a Central Processing Unit (CPU) based on the
Von Neumann model for computer systems.
Identify the component within the CPU that controls the flow of the
data.
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Identify the component within the CPU where calculations are carried
out.
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Identify register holds the memory address of the next instruction that
needs to be fetched from the primary storage.
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Identify the register that can also hold data that needs to be transferred
to the primary storage.
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c. Describe the role of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in Von Neumann's
architecture.
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d. Describe the Fetch part of the ‘fetch decode execute’ cycle.
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Project Work
Draw Von Neumann architecture for CPU.
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Resources
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zbfny4j/revision/3
Reference Material
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH-MMGBPHBI
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