Unit -2

CPU
What is CPU | CPU Definition | CPU Meaning
What is CPU: It’s meaning is Central Processing Unit.  Sometimes referred to simply as the central
processor or Nerve Centre or heart, but more commonly called processor, the CPU is where most
calculations take place. The CPU is the brains of the computer.
We’ll be covering the following topics in this tutorial:

 CPU Definition
 Parts of CPU
CPU Definition

Central processing unit (CPU) is the central component of the Computer System. Sometimes it is called
as microprocessor or processor. It is the brain that runs the show inside the Computer. All functions and
processes that are done on a computer is performed directly or indirectly by the processor.
Obviously, computer processor is one of the most important elements of the Computer system. CPU is
consisting of transistors, which receives inputs and produces output. Transistors perform logical operations
which is called processing. It is also, scientifically, not only one of the most amazing parts of the PC, but one
of the most amazing devices in the world of technology.

In terms of computing power, the computer processor is the most important element of a computer system. It
add and compare its data in cpu chip. A CPU of all computers, whether micro, mini or mainframe must have
three parts.

Parts of CPU

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): It is the part of computer processor (CPU) can be used to perform arithmetic
and logic operations. An arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) is further divided into two parts, (AU) arithmetic unit 
and a (LU) logic unit.
Control Unit (CU): Decodes the program instruction. CPU chip used in a computer is partially made out of
Silica. on other words silicon chip used for data processing are called Micro Processor.

Registers: It is temporary storage areas of the computer processor. It is managed by control unit
(CU). Registers holding data, instruction and address that are needed by program while running.
The processor plays a significant role in the following important aspects of your computer system;

Performance: The processor is probably the most important single determinant of system performance in the
Pc. While other components also play a key role in determining performance, the processor’s capabilities
dictate the maximum performance of a system. The other devices only allow the processor to reach its full
potential.

Software Support: Newer, faster processors enable the use of the latest software. In addition, new processors
such as the Pentium with MMX Technology, enable the use of specialized software not usable on earlier
machines.
Reliability and Stability: The quality of the processor is one factor that determines how reliably your system
will run. While most processors are very dependable, some are not. This also depends to some extent on the
age of the processor and how much energy it consumes.
Energy Consumption and Cooling: Originally processors consumed relatively little power compared to other
system devices. Newer processors can consume a great deal of power. Power consumption has an impact on
everything from cooling method selection to overall system reliability.
Motherboard Support: The processor that decides to use in your system will be a major determining factor in
what sort of chip set we must use, and hence what motherboard you buy. The motherboard in turn dictates
many facets of. The system’s capabilities and performance.

Common CPU Terms

CPU Central Processing Unit, or the heart and brains of the computer

Binary A sequence of ones and zeros, or the language into which your CPU translates all data
Code

ALU Arithmetical Logical Unit, responsible for all mathematical and logical operations

Program Tracks which instructions the CPU should execute next when processing data
Counter

One The speed at which one operation is performed per second

Multi- A CPU with two or more independent cores, so it can do more than one thing at once
core
processor

The Brains of the Computer

Let's say we are using a calculator to add two numbers. You enter the numbers using your keyboard. The
keyboard controller turns all of that information into binary code. Binary code consists of sequences of 0 and 1.
This information is then sent to the registry and then transferred to the CPU. The CPU has an integrated ALU
(Arithmetical Logical Unit). The ALU is responsible for all mathematical and logical operations.

Your request to add two numbers comes to the CPU and is transferred to the ALU. The ALU adds the binary
numbers and returns the answer to the CPU, which transfers the answer to an output device.

Adding two numbers is a very simple example, but it illustrates the basic functions of the CPU. Every single
step you perform on your computer is in one way or another connected to this central unit, so it is very
important to keep your processor in good form. Overheating, especially, can lead your CPU to fail.
 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 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.
Types of CPU are:-
Single Core CPU-
This is the oldest type of computer CPUs. These CPUs were used during the 1970s. As the name indicates,
these types of CPUs only have a single core that processes different operations. This means that the CPU can
only process one operation at a time. The CPU continuously switches between different sets of data streams
whenever more than one program is started. This is why this type of CPU is not suitable for multitasking. This
is because this would reduce the quality of performance of the CPU. It is almost essential to note that these
CPUs are primarily dependent on the clock speed. These CPUs are also used in various devices to the present
day. For example, these CPUs are used in modern smart phones.
Dual-Core CPU -
Dual-Core CPUs contain two cores within a single Integrated Circuit (IC). Each core also has its cache and
controller. These controllers and cache are linked together to work as a single unit. This is why these CPUs can
work faster than the single-core processors. These types of CPUs are better at handling multitasking more
efficiently in comparison to single-core processors.
Quad-Core CPU-
Quad-Core CPUs come with two dual-core processors present within a single integrated circuit (IC) or chip.
This means that a quad-core processor contains a chip with four independent units, also known as cores. These
cores are capable of reading and executing various instructions provided by the CPU. The cores can also run
multiple instructions at the same time. This increases the overall speed for programs that are compatible with
parallel processing. Readers might be interested to learn that quad-core CPUs use a technology that allows all
the four independent processing units or cores to run parallelly on a single chip. This integrates the multiple
cores within a single CPU. And it results in higher performance that can be generated without even boosting the
overall clock speed.