What is a Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- A CPU is brain of a computer. It is responsible for all functions and processes. Regarding computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system.
- The CPU is the primary component of a computer that processes instructions.
- It processes the data and produces output, which may stored by an application or displayed on the screen.
The CPU is comprised of three main parts :
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Executes all arithmetic and logical operations. Arithmetic calculations like as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Logical operation like compare numbers, letters, or special characters
- Control Unit (CU): controls and co-ordinates computer components.
- Read the code for the next instruction to be executed.
- Increment the program counter so it points to the next instruction.
- Read whatever data the instruction requires from cells in memory.
- Provide the necessary data to an ALU or register.
- If the instruction requires an ALU or specialized hardware to complete, instruct the hardware to perform the requested operation.
- Registers: Stores the data that is to be executed next, "very fast storage area".