Central Processing Unit (CPU) and its operations:
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit; it is also known as "the brain of the computer". A CPU is
a primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing and controls the
operation of all components running inside a computer.
The key components of a CPU are the Control Unit, ALU and Memory.
Components of CPU
Control Unit (CU)
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
Memory or Storage Unit
Registers
Control Unit
As its name implies, a control unit acts as the "brain" of the CPU. A major role of a control unit is
to manage and execute instructions to perform the tasks specified by a computer program. v. A
CPU executes instructions by fetching them from memory, decodes them, and then executes
them. So, it plays a vital role in fetch-decode-execute instructions.
Functions of Control Unit
Instruction Fetch − A CU fetches instructions from RAM (Random Access Memory).
Instruction Decoding − It decodes the fetched instructions to operate.
Instruction Execution − A CU sends control signals to perform operations like ALU for
arithmetic and logical operations.
Control Flow Management − It controls flow by updating the programme counter.
Exception Handling − A control unit effectively manages exceptions and interruptions
like hardware failures, system calls, and external events, by appropriately diverting the
control flow of the CPU to the planned procedure for managing such exceptions.
Synchronization − A CU plays a crucial role in facilitating the coordination of instruction
execution across several cores.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a component that has been extensively optimised and
engineered to do multiple tasks concurrently. It is commonly built to execute operations
speedily. It works in conjunction with other CPU components, such as registers, memory, and
control units, to execute complex instructions.
Functions of an ALU
Arithmetic Operations − The ALU can perform basic arithmetic operations.
Logic Operations − The ALU can also perform logical operations like AND, OR, NOT, XOR,
and bit-shifting operations.
Memory Unit
A memory is a hardware component which is used to store and access the data whenever
required. Majorly; computer memory is categorised into two parts Primary Memory (RAM) and
Secondary Memory (Hard Disk). RAM is used for short-term, fast data access and is essential for
active program execution. On the other hand, storage or secondary memory provides
permanent data storage.
Hence, memory and storage units both are critical components of a computer system.
Functions of the CPU
The CPU’s main job is to process instructions from programs. It does this through a process
called the Fetch-Decode-Execute-Store cycle:
This cycle happens billions of times a second, letting the CPU handle tons of tasks super fast!
1. Fetch: the first CPU gets the instruction. That means binary numbers that are passed
from RAM to CPU.
2. Decode: When the instruction is entered into the CPU, it needs to decode the
instructions. with the help of ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit), the process of decoding begins.
3. Execute: After the decode step the instructions are ready to execute.
4. Store: After the execute step the instructions are ready to store in the memory.