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Central Processing Unit (CPU) Cs Notes

The document explains the Central Processing Unit (CPU) as the brain of the computer, detailing its components like the Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit, and its function in the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle. It also covers the Von Neumann architecture, CPU speed factors such as clock speed and cores, instruction sets, and embedded systems. Key takeaways include the CPU's role in processing data, the importance of speed and efficiency, and the characteristics of embedded systems.

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14 views2 pages

Central Processing Unit (CPU) Cs Notes

The document explains the Central Processing Unit (CPU) as the brain of the computer, detailing its components like the Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit, and its function in the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle. It also covers the Von Neumann architecture, CPU speed factors such as clock speed and cores, instruction sets, and embedded systems. Key takeaways include the CPU's role in processing data, the importance of speed and efficiency, and the characteristics of embedded systems.

Uploaded by

Freakazoid is cool
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)


What is it? The brain of the computer. It controls everything and processes all
data.
Other names: It's also called a microprocessor because it's a tiny chip.
Parts of CPU:
Control Unit (CU): Tells the computer what to do, like a boss.
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Does all the math and logic (like adding,
comparing).
Registers: Small storage areas in the CPU where things are temporarily kept, like a
notepad.
System Clock: Keeps everything in sync, like a metronome in music.

2. Von Neumann Architecture


This is the basic way a computer is built, introduced by a guy named John von
Neumann.
Main Ideas:
CPU can get information from memory.
Memory stores both programs (what the computer does) and data (the information).
Instructions need to be followed one by one.

3. Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle (FDE Cycle)


How does the CPU work?
The CPU fetches the instruction, decodes it (figures out what to do), and then
executes it (does it).
PC (Program Counter): Tells where the next instruction is.
MAR (Memory Address Register): Finds the instruction in memory.
MDR (Memory Data Register): Holds the instruction until it’s ready to be used.
CIR (Current Instruction Register): Where the CPU keeps the current instruction.

4. Important Components for CPU Speed


Clock Speed: Faster clock speed = more instructions done per second. But too fast
(overclocking) can cause problems like overheating.
Cores: More cores = more things the CPU can do at once. Like having multiple
workers to finish a job faster.
Cache Memory: A small, super-fast memory in the CPU that holds frequently used
data, so the CPU doesn’t need to go all the way to the RAM for it.

5. Instruction Set
What are instructions? These are tiny commands that tell the CPU what to do.
Opcode: The type of command (like "add" or "subtract").
Operand: The data it acts on, like a number or address.

6. Embedded Systems
These are computers built into devices to do specific tasks (like washing machines,
cars, etc.).
Key Features:
Small and cheap.
They do just one task, like controlling the temperature of a fridge.
Don’t need an operating system (like Windows or macOS).
Benefits: They're fast, use less power, and are reliable.
Drawbacks: Hard to upgrade or fix if they break.

How to Remember:
CPU = Brain: The CPU is the brain of the computer, making decisions and processing
information.
Fetch, Decode, Execute (FDE): Like a recipe—get the ingredients (fetch), read the
recipe (decode), and cook (execute).
More Cores = More Work Done: Just like having more people to help.
Cache = Fast Storage: Cache is like a mini-library right next to the CPU so it
doesn’t have to go far for books.
Embedded Systems = Smart Devices: These are like tiny computers in gadgets that do
one job really well.

Simple Summary for Memorization:


CPU: Brain of the computer.
FDE Cycle: Fetch → Decode → Execute.
Clock Speed: Faster is better, but don’t overdo it.
Cores: More = faster work.
Cache: Super-fast memory inside the CPU.
Embedded Systems: Tiny computers inside devices doing one specific job.

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