Chapter 8
COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM
Textual Questions
Q1. What is the function of CPU?
Ans. The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is both the heart and brains of every
computer. Many of us do not know how important this unit is to the performance
of a computer.
The Four Primary Functions of the CPU
The CPU processes instructions it receives in the process of decoding data. In
processing this data, the CPU performs four basic steps:
1. Fetch: Each instruction is stored in memory and has its own address. The
processor takes this address number from the program counter, which is
responsible for tracking which instructions the CPU should execute next.
2. Decode: All programs to be executed are translated to into Assembly instructions.
Assembly code must be decoded into binary instructions, which are
understandable to your CPU. This step is called decoding.
3. Execute: While executing instructions the CPU can do one of three things: Do
calculations with its ALU, move data from one memory location to another, or
jump to a different address.
4. Store: The CPU must give feedback after executing an instruction, and the output
data is written to the memory.
Q2. What are the components of a CPU? Explain them briefly?
Ans. The three main components of CPU are
1. Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU)
2. Control Unit (CU)
3. Memory Unit (MU)
Arithmetic logic unit
The ALU has two main functions:
It performs arithmetic and logical operations (decisions). The ALU is where
calculations are done and where decisions are made.
It acts as a gateway between primary memory and secondary storage . Data
transferred between them passes through the ALU.
Control unit
The CU provides several functions:
it fetches, decodes and executes instructions
it issues control signals that control hardware
it moves data around the system
Memory unit is a component of a computer system. It is used to store data,
instructions and information. It is actually a work area of computer, where
the CPU stores the data and instruction. It is also known as a
main/primary/internal memory.
Registers
Registers are small amounts of high-speed memory contained within the CPU.
They are used by the processor to store small amounts of data that are needed
during processing, such as:
the address of the next instruction to be executed
the current instruction being decoded
the results of calculations
Q3. What is a register? Name some of them?
Ans. Registers
Registers are small amounts of high-speed memory contained within the CPU.
They are used by the processor to store small amounts of data that are needed
during processing, such as:
the address of the next instruction to be executed
the current instruction being decoded
the results of calculations
Different processors have different numbers of registers for different purposes,
but most have some, or all, of the following:
program counter
memory address register (MAR)
memory data register (MDR)
current instruction register (CIR)
accumulator (ACC)
Q4. What is the difference between RAM & ROM?
Ans. The major differences between RAM and ROM are:
RAM ROM
Definition of RAM is Random Definition of ROM is Read only Memory
Access Memory
Random Access Memory (RAM) ROM is cheaper when compared to RAM.
is expensive when compared to
ROM
The speed of Random Access The speed of Read only Memory (ROM) is slower
Memory (RAM) is higher when when compared to RAM.
compared to ROM
Random Access Memory (RAM) ROM has a lower capacity compared to RAM
has a higher capacity when
compared to ROM
Data in RAM can be modified, Data in ROM can only be read, it cannot be modified
erased, or read. or erased.
The data stored in RAM is used The data stored in ROM is used to bootstrap the
by the Central Processing Unit computer.
(CPU) to process current
instructions
Data stored on RAM can be If the Central Processing Unit (CPU) needs to access
accessed by the Central the data on ROM, first the data must be transferred
Processing Unit. to RAM, and then the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
will be able to access the data.
Data of RAM is very volatile, it Data present in Read Only Memory (ROM) is not
will exist as long as there is no volatile, it is permanent. Data will remain unchanged
interruption in power. even when there is a disruption in the power supply.
Q5. What are the various units of memory?
Ans. A computer stores and processes data or information in the form of binary
numbers. The smallest unit of memory is bit that can hold a single state- either 0
or 1.
Some units of memory are:
Nibble Group of 4 bits
Byte Group of 8 bits
Kilo byte 1KB= 1024 Bytes
Mega byte 1MB=1024 KB
Giga byte 1GB=1024 MB
Tera byte 1TB=1024 GB
Peta byte 1PB=1024 TB