Central Processing Unit (CPU)
CPU is the brain of the computer. All types of data processing operations and all the important
functions of a computer are performed by the CPU. It helps input and output devices to
communicate with each other and perform their respective operations. It also stores data which is
input, intermediate results in between processing, and instructions.
Now, the CPU consists of 3 major units, which are:
1. Memory or Storage Unit
2. Control Unit
3. ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
Let us now look at the block diagram of the computer:
Here, in this diagram, the three major components are also shown. So, let us discuss these major
components:
Memory or Storage Unit
As the name suggests this unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results. The memory
unit is responsible for transferring information to other units of the computer when needed. It is
also known as an internal storage unit or the main memory or the primary storage or Random
Access Memory (RAM) as all these are storage devices.
Its size affects speed, power, and performance. There are two types of memory in the computer,
which are primary memory and secondary memory. Some main functions of memory units are
listed below:
Data and instructions are stored in memory units which are required for processing.
It also stores the intermediate results of any calculation or task when they are in process.
The final results of processing are stored in the memory units before these results are released
to an output device for giving the output to the user.
All sorts of inputs and outputs are transmitted through the memory unit.
Control Unit
As the name suggests, a control unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer but it
does not carry out any data processing operations. For executing already stored instructions, It
instructs the computer by using the electrical signals to instruct the computer system. It takes
instructions from the memory unit and then decodes the instructions after that it executes those
instructions. So, it controls the functioning of the computer. It’s main task is to maintain the flow
of information across the processor. Some main functions of the control unit are listed below:
Controlling of data and transfer of data and instructions is done by the control unit among
other parts of the computer.
The control unit is responsible for managing all the units of the computer.
The main task of the control unit is to obtain the instructions or data which is input from the
memory unit, interprets them, and then directs the operation of the computer according to that.
The control unit is responsible for communication with Input and output devices for the
transfer of data or results from memory.
The control unit is not responsible for the processing of data or storing data.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical functions or
operations. It consists of two subsections, which are:
Arithmetic Section
Logic Section
Now, let us know about these subsections:
Arithmetic Section: By arithmetic operations, we mean operations like addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division, and all these operation and functions are performed by ALU. Also,
all the complex operations are done by making repetitive use of the mentioned operations by
ALU.
Logic Section: By Logical operations, we mean operations or functions like selecting,
comparing, matching, and merging the data, and all these are performed by ALU.
Note: CPU may contain more than one ALU and ALUs can be used for maintaining timers that
help run the computer system.
Sample Questions
Question 1. Which of the following are the major components of the CPU?
(A) Memory or Storage Unit
(B) Control Unit
(C) ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
(D) All of the above
Question 2. All sorts of inputs and outputs are transmitted through the ___________.
(A) Memory unit
(B) ALU
(C) Control unit
(D) None of the above
Question 3. __________ is not responsible for processing of data or to store data.
(A) Memory unit
(B) ALU
(C) Control unit
(D) None of the above
Question 4. Comparing operation is which type of operation?
(A) Arithmetic
(B) Logical
(C) both a and b
(d) None of the above
Question 5. ______________ is responsible for communication with Input and output
devices for transfer of data or results from memory.
(A) Memory unit
(B) ALU
(C) Control unit
(D) None of the above
