Central Processing Unit (CPU) L4

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A Central Processing Unit is also called a processor, central processor, or microprocessor. It carries out all the
important functions of a computer. It receives instructions from both the hardware and active software and
produces output accordingly. It stores all important programs like operating systems and application software.
CPU also helps Input and output devices to communicate with each other.
Generally, a CPU has three components:
o ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
o Control Unit
o Memory or Storage Unit
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Control Unit: It is the circuitry in the control unit, which makes use of electrical signals to instruct the
computer system for executing already stored instructions. It takes instructions from memory and then decodes
and executes these instructions. So, it controls and coordinates the functioning of all parts of the computer. The
Control Unit's main task is to maintain and regulate the flow of information across the processor. It does not
take part in processing and storing data.
ALU: It is the arithmetic logic unit, which performs arithmetic and logical functions. Arithmetic functions
include addition, subtraction, multiplication division, and comparisons. Logical functions mainly include
selecting, comparing, and merging the data. A CPU may contain more than one ALU. Furthermore, ALUs can
be used for maintaining timers that help run the computer.
Memory or Storage Unit/ Registers: It is called Random access memory (RAM). It temporarily stores data,
programs, and intermediate and final results of processing. So, it acts as a temporary storage area that holds the
data temporarily, which is used to run the computer.
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Types of CPU:

CPUs are mostly manufactured by Intel and AMD, each of which manufactures its own types of CPUs. In
modern times, there are lots of CPU types in the market.
Single Core CPU: Single Core is the oldest type of computer CPU, which was used in the 1970s. It has only
one core to process different operations. It can start only one operation at a time; the CPU switches back and
forth between different sets of data streams when more than one program runs.
Dual Core CPU: As the name suggests, Dual Core CPU contains two cores in a single Integrated Circuit (IC).
Although each core has its own controller and cache, they are linked together to work as a single unit and thus
can perform faster than the single-core processors and can handle multitasking more efficiently than Single Core
processors.
Quad Core CPU: This type of CPU comes with two dual-core processors in one integrated circuit (IC) or chip.
So, a quad-core processor is a chip that contains four independent units called cores. These cores read and
execute instructions of CPU. The cores can run multiple instructions simultaneously, thereby increases the
overall speed for programs that are compatible with parallel processing
 Computer Memory

Computer Memory

The computer memory holds the data and instructions needed to process raw data and produce output. The
computer memory is divided into large number of small parts known as cells. Each cell has a unique address
which varies from 0 to memory size minus one.
Computer memory is of two types: Volatile (RAM) and Non-volatile (ROM). The secondary memory (hard disk)
is referred as storage not memory.
But, if we categorize memory on behalf of space or location, it is of four types:
o Register memory
o Cache memory
o Primary memory
o Secondary memory
 Computer Memory

Register Memory
Register memory is the smallest and fastest memory in a computer. It is not a part of the main memory and is
located in the CPU in the form of registers, which are the smallest data holding elements. A register temporarily
holds frequently used data, instructions, and memory address that are to be used by CPU. They hold instructions
that are currently processed by the CPU.
Cache Memory
Cache memory is a high-speed memory, which is small in size but faster than the main memory (RAM). The
CPU can access it more quickly than the primary memory. So, it is used to synchronize with high-speed CPU
and to improve its performance.
Cache memory can only be accessed by CPU. It can be a reserved part of the main memory or a storage device
outside the CPU. It holds the data and programs which are frequently used by the CPU
Primary Memory
Primary Memory is of two types: RAM and ROM.
 Computer Memory

RAM (Volatile Memory)

It is a volatile memory. It means it does not store data or instructions permanently. When you switch on the
computer the data and instructions from the hard disk are stored in RAM.
CPU utilizes this data to perform the required tasks. As soon as you shut down the computer the RAM loses all
the data.
ROM (Non-volatile Memory)
It is a non-volatile memory. It means it does not lose its data or programs that are written on it at the time of
manufacture. So it is a permanent memory that contains all important data and instructions needed to perform
important tasks like the boot process.
 What is RAM?

What is RAM?
RAM, which stands for Random Access Memory, is a hardware device generally located on the motherboard of
a computer and acts as an internal memory of the CPU. It allows CPU store data, program, and program results
when you switch on the computer. It is the read and write memory of a computer, which means the information
can be written to it as well as read from it.
Types of RAM:
Integrated RAM chips can be of two types:
1. Static RAM (SRAM):
2. Dynamic RAM (DRAM):
Both types of RAM are volatile, as both lose their content when the power is turned off.
Static RAM (SRAM) is a type of random access memory that retains its state for data bits or holds data as long
as it receives the power. It is made up of memory cells and is called a static RAM as it does not need to be
refreshed on a regular basis because it does not need the power to prevent leakage, unlike dynamic RAM. So, it
is faster than DRAM.
 RAM/ROM

Dynamic RAM:
Dynamic Ram (DRAM) is also made up of memory cells. It is an integrated circuit (IC) made of millions of
transistors and capacitors which are extremely small in size and each transistor is lined up with a capacitor to
create a very compact memory cell so that millions of them can fit on a single memory chip.
The capacitor needs to be refreshed after regular intervals to maintain the charge in the capacitor. This is the
reason it is called dynamic RAM as it needs to be refreshed continuously to maintain its data or it would forget
what it is holding.
What is ROM?

ROM, which stands for read only memory, is a memory device or storage medium that stores information
permanently. It is also the primary memory unit of a computer along with the random access memory (RAM). It
is called read only memory as we can only read the programs and data stored on it but cannot write on it. It is
restricted to reading words that are permanently stored within the unit.
A simple example of ROM is the cartridge used in video game consoles that allows the system to run many
games. The data which is stored permanently on personal computers and other electronic devices like
smartphones, tablets, TV, AC, etc. is also an example of ROM.
 ROM

Types of ROM:
Masked Read Only Memory (MROM):
It is the oldest type of read only memory (ROM). It has become obsolete so it is not used anywhere in today's
world. It is a hardware memory device in which programs and instructions are stored at the time of manufacturing
by the manufacturer. So it is programmed during the manufacturing process and can't be modified, reprogrammed,
or erased later.
Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM):
PROM is a blank version of ROM. It is manufactured as blank memory and programmed after manufacturing. We
can say that it is kept blank at the time of manufacturing. You can purchase and then program it once using a
special tool called a programmer.
To write data onto a PROM chip; a device called PROM programmer or PROM burner is used. The process or
programming a PROM is known as burning the PROM. Once it is programmed, the data cannot be modified later,
so it is also called as one-time programmable device.
Uses: It is used in cell phones, video game consoles, medical devices, RFID tags, and more.
 EPROM / EEPROM

Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM):

EPROM is a type of ROM that can be reprogramed and erased many times. The method to erase the data is very
different; it comes with a quartz window through which a specific frequency of ultraviolet light is passed for
around 40 minutes to erase the data. So, it retains its content until it is exposed to the ultraviolet light. You need
a special device called a PROM programmer or PROM burner to reprogram the EPROM.
Uses: It is used in some micro-controllers to store program, e.g., some versions of Intel 8048 and the Freescale
68HC11.
Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM):

ROM is a type of read only memory that can be erased and reprogrammed repeatedly, up to 10000 times. It is
also known as Flash EEPROM as it is similar to flash memory. It is erased and reprogrammed electrically
without using ultraviolet light. Access time is between 45 and 200 nanoseconds.
Uses: The BIOS of a computer is stored in this memory.
 Secondary Memory

Secondary Memory

The secondary storage devices which are built into the computer or connected to the computer are known as a
secondary memory of the computer. It is also known as external memory or auxiliary storage.
The secondary memory is accessed indirectly via input/output operations. It is non-volatile, so permanently
stores the data even when the computer is turned off or until this data is overwritten or deleted. The CPU can't
directly access the secondary memory. First, the secondary memory data is transferred to primary memory then
the CPU can access it.
1) Hard Disk:
It is a rigid magnetic disc that is used to store data. It permanently stores data and is located within a drive unit.
 Secondary Memory

The hard disk is also known as a hard drive. It is a rigid magnetic disc that stores data permanently, as it is a non-
volatile storage device. The hard disk is located within a drive unit on the computer's motherboard and comprises
one or more platters packed in an air-sealed casing. The data is written on the platters by moving a magnetic head
over the platters as they spin. The data stored on a computer's hard drive generally includes the operating system,
installed software, and the user's files and programs, including pictures, music, videos, text documents, etc.

2) Solid-state Drive:
SSD (Solid State Drive) is also a non-volatile storage medium that is used to hold and access data. Unlike a hard
drive, it does not have moving components, so it offers many advantages over SSD, such as faster access time,
noiseless operation, less power consumption, and more.
As the cost of SSD has come down, it has become an ideal replacement for a standard hard drive in desktop and
laptop computers. It is also suitable for notebooks, and tablets that don't require lots of storage.
 Secondary Memory

3) Pen drive:
Pen drive is a compact secondary storage device. It is also known as a USB
flash drive, thumb drive or a jump drive. It connects to a computer via a USB
port. It is commonly used to store and transfer data between computers. For
example, you can write a report using a computer and then copy or transfer it
in the pen drive. Later, you can connect this pen drive to a computer to see or
edit your report. You can also store your important documents and pictures,
music, videos in the pen drive and keep it at a safe place.

4) SD Card:
SD Card stands for Secure Digital Card. It is most often used in portable and
mobile devices such as smartphones and digital cameras. You can remove it
from your device and see the things stored in it using a computer with a card
reader.
 Secondary Memory

5) Compact Disk (CD):

Compact Disk is a portable secondary storage device in the shape of a round medium disk. It is made of
polycarbonate plastic. The concept of CD was co-developed by Philips and Sony in 1982. The first CD was
created on 17 August 1982 at the workshop of Philips in Germany.
In the beginning, it was used for storing and playing sound recordings, later it was used for various purposes
such as for storing documents, audio files, videos, and other data like software programs in a CD.