Central Processing Unit

Class: SSS Two

Definition of the CPU

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) also known as the microchip or the microprocessor (or processor for short) is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program. This is the brain or heart of the computer. The main objective of the CPU is to perform mathematical calculations on binary numbers. Most modern CPUs are microprocessors, meaning they are contained on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip. Some computers employ a multi-core processor, which is a single chip containing two or more CPUs called "cores".

Brief history of the CPU

The fourth generation computers started with the invention of the Microprocessor. The Microprocessor contains thousands of ICs. Ted Hoff produced the first microprocessor in 1971 for Intel.
Picture of the CPU


Main Components of the Central Processing Unit

The central processing unit consists of two main parts. Which are;
1. Control Units (CU)
2. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The Control Unit

The control unit uses electrical signals to direct the entire computer system to carry out or execute, stored program instructions. Like an orchestra leader, the control unit does not execute program instructions; rather, it directs other parts of the system to do so. The control unit must communicate with both the arithmetic/logic unit and memory.
Functions of the control unit The control Unit
i. It activates the appropriate circuits necessary for inputs and output devices.
ii. It causes the entire computer system to operate automatically.
iii. It directs the system to execute instructions.
iv. It helps in communication between the memory and the arithmetic logic unit.
v. It aids in the loading of data and instructions residing in the secondary memory to the main memory as required.

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The arithmetic/Logic unit: This part of the CPU executes all arithmetic and logical operations. It is also defined as part of the CPU that carries out arithmetic and logic operations on operands in computer instruction.
Functions of the ALU
i. The arithmetic and logic unit executes arithmetic and logical operation.
Arithmetic operations include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Logical operations compare numbers, letters and special characters.
ii. Compares operation test for three conditions:

Central Processing Flow Diagram

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