Prelims - Introduction to the Cpu Flashcards
is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a computer
Known as the “brain” of the computer
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
A general term that usually refers to the CPU can describe any processing unit
Processor
A type of CPU implemented as a single integerated circuit (IC)
Microprocessor
What does the CPU do?
Fetch
Decode
Execute
Store
Types of memory
- RAM
- ROM
Types of memory under RAM
SRAM, DRAM
Types of memory under ROM
PROM, EPROM, EEPROM
Controls the operations of all parts of the computer but does not carry out any data processing operations
Control Unit
Is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical functions or operations.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
2 subsections of ALU
Arithmetic section
Logic section
Arithmetic Section
operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division,
Logic section
operations like selecting, comparing, matching and merging the data
Parts of the CPU
Memory or Storage Unit
Control unit
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
RAM
Random Access Memory
Stores the data currently being processed by the CPU
Volatile memory that directly interacts with the CPU for processing data
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Non-volatile memory that is primarily used to store firmware and essential system software that does not need to be modified frequently
Retains its data even when the computer is powered off, making it ideal for storing instructions that the system must access immedietly upon startup
Read-only memory (ROM)
Memory that requires a continuous power supply to maintain the stored data
Volatile Memory
Characteristics of a Volatile Memory
Data is lost when the power is turned off
Typically faster than non-volatile memory
Primarily used for temporary storage and working data
Memory that retains its data even when the power is turned off
Non-Volatile Memory
Characteristics of non-volatile memory
Data is retained even after the system is powered off
Typically slower than volatile memory but used for long-term storage
Essential for storing the operating system, files, and programs
is how fast a computer’s processor (CPU) can complete the task
It is measured by the number of instructions completed in one second
CPU performance
refers to the frequency at which the CPU
operates. It represents how many cycles per second the CPU can execute
Clock speed (GHz)
Higher clock speeds generally mean the CPU can process more instructions per second, leading to faster performance.
determines how many tasks a CPU can handle
simultaneously
Core Count
More cores generally lead to better performance in applications designed to take advantage of parallel processing
is a small, high-speed memory located within the CPU that stores frequently accessed data and instructions. It comes in different levels (L1, L2, L3), with
L1 being the fastest and smallest.
Cache Memory
A larger cache allows the CPU to access data more quickly without needing to
retrieve it from slower main memory(RAM), leading to faster execution of tasks.
Cache efficiency is particularly important for tasks that involve repetitive data
processing, like running loops in code
How ALU and CU work together
- CU fetches an instruction from memory and decodes it
- If the instruction requires an arithmetic or logical operation, the CU sends the necessary control signals to the ALU
- The ALU performs the operation using the data provided (usually from registers) and returns the result.
- The CU then coordinates the storage of the result back into memory or a register, and the cycle continues with the next instruction
