Computer system

Computer architecture:
Computer Components
All types of computers follow the same basic logical structure and perform the following
five basic operations for converting raw input data into information useful to their users.

S.No. Operation Description

The process of entering data and instructions into the computer

1 Take Input
system.

Saving data and instructions so that they are available for

2 Store Data
processing as and when required.

Processing Performing arithmetic, and logical operations on data in order to

3
Data convert them into useful information.

Output The process of producing useful information or results for the

4
Information user, such as a printed report or visual display.

Control the Directs the manner and sequence in which all of the above
5
workflow operations are performed.

The major hardware components of computer system are :

1. Input unit
2. Central Processing Unit(CPU)
3. Storage/memory unit
4. Output unit
1.Input Unit
This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data into the computer. This
unit creates a link between the user and the computer. The input devices translate the
information into a form, understandable by the computer.

2. CPU (Central Processing Unit)

CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all types of data
processing operations. It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions (program). It
controls the operation of all parts of the computer.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) consists of the following features −

 CPU is considered as the brain of the computer.

 CPU performs all types of data processing operations.
 It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions (program).
 It controls the operation of all parts of the computer.

CPU itself has following three components.

A. Control Unit(CU)
B. ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
C. Register
 a. Control Unit
This unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer but does not carry out any
actual data processing operations.
Functions of this unit are −
 It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and instructions among other
units of a computer.
 It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.
 It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets them, and directs the
operation of the computer.
 It communicates with Input / Output devices for transfer of data or results from
storage.
 It does not process or store data.

b. ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

This unit consists of two subsections namely,

 Arithmetic Section
 Logic Section
 Arithmetic Section
Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic operations like addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division.
 Logic Section
Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as comparisons of numbers,
letters and special characters. It also includes testing for greater than, less than or equal
to condition etc.
Thus, ALU performs arithmetic and logic operations, and uses registers to hold the data
that is being processed.

C. Register:
Registers are high speed storage areas within the CPU, but have the least storage
capacity. It store data, instruction, addresses and intermediate results of processing.
Registers are often referred to as the CPU’s working memory.
The data and instructions that require processing must be brought in the registers of
CPU before they can be processed. E.g if two numbers are to be added, both numbers
are brought in the registers, added and the result is also placed in a register.
Some of the important registers in CPU are:

1. Accumulator(ACC) stores the result of arithmetic and logic operations.

2. Instruction Register(IR) contains the current instruction most recently fetched.
3. Program Counter(PC) contains the address of next instruction to be processed.
4. Memory Address Register(MAR) contains the address of next location in the
memory to be accessed.
5. Memory Buffer Register(MBR) temporarily stores data from memory or the data
to be sent to memory.
6. Data Register (DR) stores the operands and any other data.
Number of register and size of each (number of bits) register in a CPU helps to
determine the power and the speed of CPU. The size of register also known as word
size. Bigger the size, the more quickly it can process data. The size of register may
be 8,16,32,64 etc.

3. Memory or Storage Unit

This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results. This unit supplies
information to other units of the computer when needed. It is also known as internal
storage unit or the main memory or the primary storage or Random Access Memory
(RAM).
Its size affects speed, power, and capability. Primary memory and secondary memory
are two types of memories in the computer. Functions of the memory unit are −
  It stores all the data and the instructions required for processing.
 It stores intermediate results of processing.
 It stores the final results of processing before these results are released to an
output device.
 All inputs and outputs are transmitted through the main memory.
A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data.
Secondary storage are auxiliary memory or backup memory, devices such as hard disk
, CDs, pen drives, etc., which are also used to store data are also secondary storage
Primary memory also called main memory or Internal memory.
 It is directly connected to the motherboard.
 Not visible to the programmer or user.
 Helps in starting computer
 It has limited storage capacity.
 Volatile memory in nature
 Fast and expensive.

Secondary memory also called auxiliary memory or backup memory.

 It is indirectly connected to the motherboard.
 Visible to the programmer or user.
 Helps in mechanical movement
 It has larger storage capacity.
 Non-volatile memory in nature
 Slow and cheaper compare to internal memory.

D.Output Unit
The output unit consists of devices with the help of which we get the information from
the computer. This unit is a link between the computer and the users. Output devices
translate the computer's output into a form understandable by the users.