Computer System Organisation

Computer System Organisation
The computer system is a combination of many parts such as peripheral devices, secondary
memory, CPU, etc.
 The I/O devices and the CPU both execute concurrently. Some of the processes are scheduled
for the CPU and at the same time, some are undergoing input/output operations.
 There are multiple device controllers, each in charge of a particular device such as keyboard,
mouse, printer etc.
 There is buffer available for each of the devices. The input and output data can be stored in
these buffers.
 The data is moved from memory to the respective device buffers by the CPU for I/O
operations and then this data is moved back from the buffers to memory.
 The device controllers use an interrupt to inform the CPU that I/O operation is completed.
Input
All the data received by the computer goes through the input unit. The input unit comprises different
devices like a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc. In other words, each of these devices acts as a mediator
between the users and the computer.
The data that is to be processed is put through the input unit. The computer accepts the raw data in
binary form. It then processes the data and produces the desired output.
The 3 major functions of the input unit are-
 Take the data to be processed by the user.

 Convert the given data into machine-readable form.
 And then, transmit the converted data into the main memory of the computer. The
sole purpose is to connect the user and the computer. In addition, this creates easy
communication between them.
CPU – Central Processing Unit
Central Processing Unit or the CPU, is the brain of the computer. It works the same way a human
brain works. As the brain controls all human activities, similarly the CPU controls all the tasks.
Moreover, the CPU conducts all the arithmetical and logical operations in the computer.
Now the CPU comprises of two units, namely – ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU (Control Unit).
Both of these units work in sync. The CPU processes the data as a whole.
Let us see what particular tasks are assigned to both units.

ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit
The Arithmetic Logic Unit is made of two terms, arithmetic and logic. There are two primary
functions that this unit performs.
1. Data is inserted through the input unit into the primary memory. Performs the basic
arithmetical operation on it. Like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It
performs all sorts of calculations required on the data. Then sends back data to the
storage.
2. The unit is also responsible for performing logical operations like AND, OR, Equal
to, Less than, etc. In addition to this it conducts merging, sorting, and selection of the
given data.
CU – Control Unit
The control unit as the name suggests is the controller of all the activities/tasks and operations. All
this is performed inside the computer.
The memory unit sends a set of instructions to the control unit. Then the control unit in turn converts
those instructions. After that these instructions are converted to control signals.
These control signals help in prioritizing and scheduling activities. Thus, the control unit coordinates
the tasks inside the computer in sync with the input and output units.
Memory Unit
All the data that has to be processed or has been processed is stored in the memory unit. The memory
unit acts as a hub of all the data. It transmits it to the required part of the computer whenever
necessary.
The memory unit works in sync with the CPU. This helps in faster accessing and processing of the
data. Thus, making tasks easier and quicker.
There are two types of computer memory-
1. Primary memory – This type of memory cannot store a vast amount of data.
Therefore, it is only used to store recent data. The data stored in this is temporary. It
can get erased once the power is switched off. Therefore, is also called temporary
memory or main memory.
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is an example of primary memory. This
memory is directly accessible by the CPU. It is used for reading and writing purposes.
For data to be processed, it has to be first transferred to the RAM and then to the
CPU.
2. Secondary memory – As explained above, the primary memory stores temporary

data. Thus it cannot be accessed in the future. For permanent storage
purposes, secondary memory is used. It is also called permanent memory or auxiliary
memory. The hard disk is an example of secondary memory. Even in a power failure
data does not get erased easily.
Output
There is nothing to be amazed by what the output unit is used for. All the information sent to the
computer once processed is received by the user through the output unit. Devices like printers,
monitors, projectors, etc. all come under the output unit.
The output unit displays the data either in the form of a soft copy or a hard copy. The printer is for the
hard copy. The monitor is for the display. The output unit accepts the data in binary form from the
computer. It then converts it into a readable form for the user.
Let us finally look at what the data flow looks like inside the computer step by step-
1. The data is accepted by the input unit. It is given by the user. It is then converted into
binary form for the computer to read it.
2. The information is then sent to the memory unit for storage and processing.
3. The required data, that needs to be processed is accessed by the CPU. It is accessed
from the primary storage. The arithmetic and logical operations are then performed
on the data. The control unit schedules all the activities for the smooth working of the
computer.
4. The data is then sent to the storage unit. It is used for storing or further processing
purposes.
5. Then the output unit receives the final processed output.

Computer System Organisation

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Computer System Organisation

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Computer System Organisation

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Computer System Organisation

The 3 major functions of the input unit are-

 Take the data to be processed by the user.

CPU – Central Processing Unit

Let us see what particular tasks are assigned to both units.

There are two types of computer memory-

2. Secondary memory – As explained above, the primary memory stores temporary

5. Then the output unit receives the final processed output.

You might also like