Block Diagram of Computer System

With technology upgrading rapidly, computers have now become part of our daily lives.

From performing basic operations like watching a movie to high-level functions like manufacturing
a car. The computers are doing it all.

But have you ever thought about how a computer works? What processes go inside it? What are the
fundamentals of a computer? Just like the other machines, the computer also has a basic
architecture. It comprises multiple elements. These elements process the input and produce the
desired output.

Let us look at the basic block diagram of the computer. Then, we will understand how each part
contributes to its functioning.

What is a Block Diagram of a Computer?

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.
Major Functions of the Input Unit
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.

Data is inserted through the input unit into the primary memory. Performs the basic arithmetical
operations on it, like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It performs all sorts of
calculations required on the data. Then, it sends back data to the storage.
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.
Types of Computer Memory
There are two types of computer memory-

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.

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.

Also, check – Full Form of Computer

Summary
Let us finally look at what the data flow looks like inside the computer step by step-

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.

The information is then sent to the memory unit for storage and processing.

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.

The data is then sent to the storage unit. It is used for storing or further processing purposes.

Then the output unit receives the final processed output.