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Functional Blocks of A Computer

The document provides a comprehensive overview of the key functional blocks of a computer, including the CPU, memory, I/O unit, and control unit, along with basic operational concepts and the Von Neumann architecture. It highlights the roles of the CPU's components, such as the ALU and control unit, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the Von Neumann architecture, particularly the bottleneck issue. Understanding these components is essential for effective interaction with computer systems.

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8 views12 pages

Functional Blocks of A Computer

The document provides a comprehensive overview of the key functional blocks of a computer, including the CPU, memory, I/O unit, and control unit, along with basic operational concepts and the Von Neumann architecture. It highlights the roles of the CPU's components, such as the ALU and control unit, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the Von Neumann architecture, particularly the bottleneck issue. Understanding these components is essential for effective interaction with computer systems.

Uploaded by

nsohailkhan39
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Functional

Blocks of a
Computer
A Comprehensive Study on CPU, Memory, I/O
Unit, Control Unit, Basic Operational Concepts,
and Von Neumann Architecture
Introduction

• A computer consists of several key functional units


that work together to process data.
• Major components include: CPU, Memory,
Input/Output (I/O) Unit, and the Control Unit.
Central Processing Unit
(CPU)
• The CPU is the brain of the computer, executing
instructions and processing data.
• Main components:
• - Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic
and logical operations.
• - Control Unit (CU): Manages execution of
instructions.
• - Registers: Small, high-speed memory storage
within the CPU.
Arithmetic Logic Unit
(ALU)
• Responsible for performing arithmetic calculations
and logical operations.
• Handles operations such as addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division.
• Supports logical functions like AND, OR, NOT, and
XOR.
• Essential for decision-making in computing
processes.
Control Unit (CU)

• Directs the operation of the CPU by fetching,


decoding, and executing instructions.
• Manages coordination between the CPU, memory,
and I/O devices.
• Controls the execution of instructions in a
systematic manner.
• Plays a crucial role in managing the system bus.
Memory Unit

• The memory unit stores data and instructions


required for processing.
• Two main types:
• - Primary Memory (RAM, ROM): Fast but volatile
storage.
• - Secondary Storage (HDD, SSD): Slower but
permanent storage.
• Cache Memory: High-speed memory that improves
CPU performance.
Input-Output (I/O) Unit

• Allows communication between the user and the


computer.
• Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner - Used to
enter data.
• Output Devices: Monitor, Printer, Speaker - Display
results.
• I/O Controllers manage data transfer between the
CPU and peripherals.
Basic Operational
Concepts
• The computer follows a step-by-step execution
cycle:
• 1. Fetch: The CPU retrieves an instruction from
memory.
• 2. Decode: The instruction is interpreted by the
control unit.
• 3. Execute: The ALU or other components process
the instruction.
• 4. Store: The result is written back to memory or
sent to an output device.
Von Neumann Architecture

• Developed by John von Neumann, this model is the


foundation of modern computers.
• Characteristics:
• - Uses a single memory for both data and
instructions.
• - Instructions are stored sequentially in memory.
• - CPU processes one instruction at a time.
• - Control unit fetches, decodes, and executes
instructions.
Von Neumann Bottleneck

• The limitation of Von Neumann architecture is the


bottleneck in data transfer.
• Since data and instructions share the same
memory path, processing speed is affected.
• Modern computers use techniques like caching and
parallel processing to mitigate this issue.
Advantages &
Disadvantages of Von
Neumann
• Advantages:
Architecture
• - Simplifies design and programming.
• - Enables flexibility in modifying programs and
data.
• Disadvantages:
• - Bottleneck issue due to shared memory for
instructions and data.
• - Limited execution speed as instructions are
processed sequentially.
Conclusion

• Computers consist of multiple functional blocks


that work together to execute instructions.
• The CPU, memory, and I/O units are essential for
processing and data storage.
• Von Neumann architecture remains the basis of
modern computer design.
• Understanding these components is crucial for
working with computer systems.

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