by The CPU, also known as the processor, is an intricate electronic circuit that serves as the primary component for executing instructions in a computer program. Its primary function is to perform basic arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output (I/O) operations as dictated by the software.
Components of a CPU
Control Unit (CU): This component is responsible for managing and coordinating the activities of the other units within the CPU. It fetches instructions from the computer’s memory, decodes them, and controls the flow of data to and from the CPU.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU performs arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and logical operations (AND, OR, NOT) that are necessary for processing data. It operates on binary data, manipulating it according to the instructions provided by the control unit.
Registers: These are small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU that are used to store data temporarily during processing. They hold the data that is currently being operated on by the CPU, making data access faster and more efficient.
How the CPU Works
- Fetch: The control unit retrieves program instructions from the computer’s memory.
- Decode: Once fetched, the control unit interprets these instructions, determining the action to be taken.
- Execute: The ALU carries out the necessary arithmetic or logical operations on the data as instructed.
- Store: Finally, the results are stored back in the memory or in the registers for further processing or for output to the user.
