Register

Array
Content
Memory
Unit
Output Unit
Introduction to Register Array
A CPU contains multiple registers.
Registers store data temporarily during program
execution.
Number of registers varies between processors.
Registers are part of the CPU (not main memory).

Why Register Are Needed

During instruction execution, data moves between CPU
units.
Fast data transfer is required for efficient processing.
Registers act as high-speed storage units.
They increase execution speed.
What is a Register? Key Characteristics of
A special memory unit inside the CPU.
Registers
Very high speed.
Stores data and instructions temporarily.
Small storage capacity.
Used during instruction execution.
Temporary storage.
Much faster than main memory.
Directly accessible by CPU.
Register Size (Word Size)
Register length = number of bits it can store.
Example: 8-bit register stores 8 bits.
Common sizes: 32-bit and 64-bit.
Larger word size → processes more data at
once.
32-bit CPU processes twice as much data as
16-bit (if other factors are same).
Common Registers in a Computer
Some registers are common in most systems such as:

[Link] Address Register (MAR)

Holds the address of memory location.
Specifies where data is to be read or written.

[Link] Buffer Register (MBR)

Holds data being transferred to/from memory.
Temporarily stores data during memory operations.

[Link] Counter Register (PCR)

Holds address of next instruction.
Automatically updates after each instruction.
Controls program execution sequence.
[Link] Register (AR)
Stores intermediate results of arithmetic and logic operations.
Used by ALU for calculations.

[Link] Register (IR)

Holds the current instruction being executed.
Sends instruction to control unit for decoding

[Link]/Output Register (IOR)

Stores data coming from input devices.
Summary
Register array = collection of
Holds data before sending to output devices. registers in CPU.
Used for temporary high-speed
data storage.
Improves CPU performance.
Different types perform specific
functions.
 Understanding Memory Unit
A memory unit is the component of a computer that stores data and
instructions for processing either for a short or longer period of time.

A computer system is made up of a combination of types of computer memory.

It can store both input and output data.

Computer memory is the collection of storage units that store binary information in
bits.

The memory block is split into smaller components called cells.

 Importance of Computer Memory Characteristics of Memory in Computer

The storage capacity of external devices is measured in

In a computer system, memory stores different types of data
words, while internal memory is measured in bytes.
such as audio, video, documents and images etc.
Unit of transfer measures the transfer rate of bits that can
This data can be retrieved as and when required. The CPU be either read or written in and out of memory devices.
selects. memory cells for reading and writing data based on the
The internal memory in a computer is inbuilt within it,
task that the user wants the computer to accomplish.
whereas external memory is present as a separate storage
device such as USB or disk.
Functions of Computer Memory
There are 4 methods to access memory, including DMA,
Its primary function is to store and retrieve data Associate Access Method, Sequential Access Method and
Random Access Method.
that the computer's processor can quickly access.

Memory provides the CPU with quick access to

data and instructions needed for processing.

Faster memory access speeds up the overall

performance of the computer by reducing the time
the CPU spends waiting for data.
 Hierarchical classification of Computer Memory

Memory

Primary Memory/Internal Memory Secondary Memory/External Memory

RAM ROM Cache Memory Magnetic Memory Optical Memory Flash Memory
SRAM PROM L1Cache Magnetic tape CD Memory chip
DRAM EPROM L2Cache Magnetic disk DVD Pen drive
EEPROM BD

Hard Disk Floppy disk

Two types of memory devices ;
Primary Memory Secondary Memory
It is the main memory of computer.
It is the additional memory of computer.
Directly accessible by the CPU Not directly accessed by CPU (data must be
Very fast (nanoseconds for cache, tens of loaded into RAM first)
nanoseconds for RAM) Slower (microseconds for SSD, milliseconds
Mostly volatile (data lost when power is off, for HDD)
except ROM) Non-volatile (data retained without power)
Smaller capacity (typically GB range in Very large capacity (hundreds of GB to TB or
more)
modern systems)
Lower cost per GB
Higher cost per GB
Used for permanent storage of programs,
Used to store data and instructions currently files, OS
being executed Magnetic or solid-state storage technology
Semiconductor-based (RAM, ROM, Cache) Examples: Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State
Examples: RAM, Cache, ROM Drive (SSD), USB Drive
 Output Unit
Definition
An output unit is a component of a computer system
that presents processed data to the user in a usable
form such as text, image, sound, or video.
Function Common Output Devices:
Monitor
It converts machine-readable Primary output device.
results (binary data) produced by Displays text, graphics, and video.
Types: LCD, LED, OLED.
the CPU into human-readable
Measured in inches (screen size) and pixels (resolution).
information. Printer
Produces hard copy output.
Data Flow Types:
Inkjet printer – Uses liquid ink
Laser printer – Uses toner powder
Input → Processing (CPU) → Output Dot matrix printer – Uses impact method
The output unit works after Speakers
processing is completed. Convert digital signals into sound waves.
Used for music, video, voice communication.
Headphones
Personal audio output device.
Used for private listening.
Plotter
Prints large-size drawings and maps.
Used in engineering and architecture.
Projector
Projects computer screen onto a large surface.
Used in classrooms and meetings.
Types of output:
The output generated by computer is of two types:
1. Softcopy Output 2. Hard Copy Output
Information displayed Information printed on
electronically and not physically physical material such as
permanent. paper.
Examples: monitor display, Examples: printed documents,
projector screen, audio from graphs, blueprints.
speakers. Characteristics:
Characteristics: - Permanent record
-Temporay -Can be stored without
-Can be edited easily electricity
-Requires power supply -Difficult to modify
Use case: presentations, video Use case: official documents,
playback, real-time data reports, certificates.
monitoring.
Tha n k
Y o u