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The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is considered the brain of the computer. It is responsible for the efficient working and processing of data. The CPU consists of different components that work together to carry out its function. This blog talks about various components of the CPU and its features. Further, we will discuss how the CPU functions and some common problems that you may encounter with it.
History of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The term Central Processing Unit has been used since 1955. The first CPU was designed by John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry in 1939. However, the patent of this design was taken away from them as the design was not implemented practically. The first implementation of a CPU was done by Konrad Zuse in 1941. However, the patent for this design was given to him. In 1943, the first commercial computer, the ENIAC was designed and implemented. The CPU of this computer was based on the design by Konrad Zuse.
The Central Processing Unit is the brain of the computer. It has the features to transfer the efficient working and processing of data for smooth functioning.
What are the components of the CPU?
There are mainly three components of the CPU which includes: a memory or storage unit, a control unit, and an arithmetic logic unit.
Memory or Storage Unit: This is the component that stores data and instructions. The control unit fetches the instruction from this memory to execute it. There are two types of memories stored in a computer called primary memory and secondary memory. Primary memories are the registers and cache memory that are used to store the current instruction being executed. Cache memory is a small but fast memory that stores the recently accessed data. Secondary memories are the hard disks, CD-ROMs, and floppy disks that are used to store the data permanently.
Control Unit: This is the component that controls the flow of data between the memory and the arithmetic logic unit. It also controls the sequence of instructions that are executed by the CPU. The control unit reads the instruction from the primary memory, decodes it, and sends it to the arithmetic logic unit.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): This is the component that performs the mathematical and logical operations on the data. It consists of a set of registers and an adder. The control unit sends the data to be operated on to the ALU and the result is also stored in one of the registers. ALU consists of two sections called the arithmetic section and the logic sections. Arithmetic sections are used to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Logic sections are used to compare two numbers, determine the sign of a number, and extract the most significant bit from a number.
How does the CPU work?
The CPU is called the brain of the computer. It is responsible for the efficient working and processing of data. The CPU is made up of three primary components: the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), the control unit (CU), and the register file. The ALU is responsible for performing mathematical and logical operations, while the CU controls the sequence of operations that are performed by the ALU. The register file stores operands and results of operations. The register file is also used to hold the program counter, which stores the address of the next instruction that is to be executed. The clock speed of the CPU is measured in hertz (Hz) and determines how many instructions per second the CPU can execute.
The clock speed of the CPU can be increased by overclocking, which is the process of increasing the clock speed beyond the manufacturer’s specifications. However, overclocking can cause the CPU to overheat and may result in damage to the CPU.
Conclusion
The CPU is the most important part of a computer and it plays a very important role in its efficient working and processing of data. It is made up of different components that work together to help the computer function properly. There are mainly three components of the CPU which include ALU, memory unit, and control unit. Understanding the CPU and its components is essential for anyone who wants to learn more about computers. This blog talks about why the CPU is called the brain of the computer, why it is said to be efficient in working and processing data, and what are the components of the CPU.
