The Central Processing Unit (also called
processor/microprocessor)
A central processing unit (CPU) is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions.
An electronic circuit is composed of individual electronic components, such as resistors, transistors, capacitors, inductors and diodes, connected by conductive wires or traces through which electric current can flow.
A transistor is like an electronic switch. It can turn a current on and off. It is considered to be a bistable device. A bistable device is a device that can be either in one of the two possible states such as on or off, pulse or no pulse, 0 or 1. on off switch.
Components of a CPUThe two typical components of a CPU include the following:
- The arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs arithmetic and logical operations.
- The control unit (CU), which extracts instructions from memory and decodes and executes them, calling on the ALU when necessary. the control unit directs and coordinates the activities of the CPU. The CU controls the Machine cycle.
The CPU and RAM are located on the motherboard