Central Processing Unit (CPU)
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Presentation Transcript
Central Processing Unit (CPU) • ‘Brain’ of the computer • Performs the change of data into information • Accepts data from any input device, changes this data according to instructions given by the user and send the result to an output device
Explains how computers process data (input- raw text, numbers) into information (output)
Central Processing Unit (CPU) • Consists of the • Control Unit • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) • Registers
Control Unit • Directs and coordinates the entire hardware system • Organises the flow of data in a computer • Similar to traffic lights controlling the flow of traffic • It interprets each instruction given by a program and gives appropriate action to be carried out
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) • Performs data calculations including addition, subtraction, division and multiplication • Performs comparisons on data items
Registers • Temporary storage area for small amounts of data or instructions before and after processing. • Some of the different registers are: • Accumulator Register – stores data to be processed • Buffer Register – stores data coming from or being sent to primary storage, e.g printing a document • Address Register – stores location of data in primary storage • Instruction Register – stores the address if the next instruction to be processed
Microprocessor • A central processing unit contained on one integrated circuit • If the processor is built onto a single microchip it is called a microprocessor • Used in PC’s, cameras, DVD players etc.
Development of CPU speeds • Moore's Law - the number of transistors per integrated circuit doubles about once every two years, while the price of the chip remains the same.
Development of CPU speeds • Intel's graph showing growth in the number of transistors over the past 35 years
Central Processing Unit (CPU) Questions: • Describe the role of the CPU. • List and explain the three parts of the CPU • What is a microprocessor and where are they used?