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The Processing Unit

The document provides an overview of computer hardware, specifically focusing on the central processing unit (CPU) and its components. It outlines the CPU's primary functions, which include fetching, decoding, executing, and storing instructions, as well as detailing the roles of the control unit and arithmetic and logic unit (ALU). The control unit coordinates operations and interprets instructions, while the ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations.

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Mansurah Adeyemo-Adogie
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0 views2 pages

The Processing Unit

The document provides an overview of computer hardware, specifically focusing on the central processing unit (CPU) and its components. It outlines the CPU's primary functions, which include fetching, decoding, executing, and storing instructions, as well as detailing the roles of the control unit and arithmetic and logic unit (ALU). The control unit coordinates operations and interprets instructions, while the ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations.

Uploaded by

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

SSS 2 COMPUTER STUDIES

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPUTER HARDWARE

THE PROCESSING UNIT

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the central processing unit


2. Describe the CPU
3. List sub-components of the CPU
4. Explain the functions of each sub-component

THE PROCESSING UNIT

The processing unit processes data and instructions received by the computer through the input unit
according to the instructions provided. The processing unit makes use of two basic elements: the central
processing unit and the memory unit.

THE CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

The CPU is that part of the computer system which is considered as the brain of the computer. It controls
and co-ordinates all the activities of the computer as well as perform other data processing functions.

A CPU has 4 primary functions

1. Fetch
2. Decode
3. Execute
4. Store

1. Fetch: The CPU retrieves instructions that it needs to execute from the main memory and store them
in internal temporary memory called register
2. Decode: The CPU interprets what the instructions mean and direct the necessary data to be moved
from the main memory to the ALU
3. Execute: This is the part where data processing takes place. Based on the instruction given, the ALU
performs arithmetic or logical operation on the data and store the result in another register called
the accumulator.
4. Store or Write back: The result of the execute step is moved from accumulator and stored in main
memory

COMPONENTS OF THE CPU


MRS ADOGIE - POWERFIELDS GROUP OF SCHOOLS [COLLEGE], EGBIN
SSS 2 COMPUTER STUDIES

1. Control Unit
2. Arithmetic and logic Unit

CONTROL UNIT

This is the part of the CPU that directs and co-ordinates most of the operation in the computer. It
interprets each instruction issued by a program and initiates the proper action to carry out the
instruction.

FUNCTIONS OF CONTROL UNIT

1. Fetches instructions and data from the main memory


2. It controls the flow of data within the processor
3. Interprets all instructions sent to the computer
4. Retrieves data and instructions from secondary storage to main memory
5. Initiates all arithmetic and logical operations
6. Co-ordinates all input/output operations

ARITHMETIC AND LOGIC UNIT

This is a collection of electronic circuits that are used in performing arithmetic and logical operations.

FUNCTIONS OF ALU

1. Performs arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, division etc.


2. Performs logical operations such as AND, OR, NOT, etc.
3. Carries out relational operations such as <, >, =, etc. by comparing, selecting, matching or sorting
data.

MRS ADOGIE - POWERFIELDS GROUP OF SCHOOLS [COLLEGE], EGBIN

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