BCA: 3

BCA-S203: Computer Architecture & Assembly Language

Dr. Aditya Kumar Gupta
Associate Professor
 Unit – II
Central Processing Unit

Central Processing Unit is responsible for performing bulk of data-processing operations. The major
function of CPU varies from data processing to controlling input-output devices. The central processing
unit is also responsible for storing data or information, intermediate results and instructions in the
memory system. It also controls the operations of all other parts of the computer systems. CPU
generally performs the arithmetical and logical operations, controlling of different input-output
devices. These operations are performed based on some predefined algorithms and instructions
normally referred as computer programs. A computer program is a set of instructions written by a
human to perform a specific operation by the CPU.

Components of CPU
A CPU mainly consists of ALU (Arithmetic & Logic Unit), Control Unit and Memory Unit. These 3
units are the primary components of a CPU. Various functions of CPU and operations are generally
performed by these 3 units are described below. The CPU is made up of three major parts 1) The
register set that stores intermediate data used during execution of the instructions. 2) the arithmetic
logic unit that perform various arithmetic and logical micro-operations and 3) The control unit to
supervise the transfer of information among registers and instruct the ALU as to which operation to
perform.

BCA-S203: Computer Architecture & Assembly Language

Memory Unit (Storage Component)
The primary job of the memory unit is to store data or instructions and intermediate results. Memory
unit supplies data to the other units of a CPU. In Computer Organization, memory can be divided into
two major parts primary memory and secondary memory. Speed and power and performance of a
memory depends on the size and type of the memory. When an instruction is processed by the central
processing unit, the main memory or the RAM (Random Access Memory) stores the final result before
it is sent to the output device. All inputs and outputs are intermediate and are transmitted through the
main memory. 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.

Control Unit (Control Component)

It is the unit which controls all the operations of the different units but does not carry out any actual
data processing operation. Control unit transfers data or instruction among different units of a
computer system. It receives the instructions from the memory, interprets them and sends the operation
to various units as instructed. Control unit is also responsible for communicating with all input and
output devices for transferring or receiving the instruction from the storage units. So, the control unit
is the main coordinator since it sends signals and find the sequence of instructions to be executed. This
unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer.

The features of the Control 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.

BCA-S203: Computer Architecture & Assembly Language

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (Execution Component)
ALU can also be subdivided into two sections namely, arithmetic unit and logic unit. It is a complex
digital circuit which consists of registers and which performs arithmetic and logical operations.
Arithmetic sections perform arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
etc. All other Complex operations can also be performed by repetition of these above basic operations.
The logic unit is responsible for performing logical operations such as comparing, selecting, matching
and merging of different data or information.

An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a digital circuit inside the processor that handles arithmetic and
logical operations by loading data from input registers. After the control unit provides the ALU with
the instruction on the operations that must be performed, the ALU completes them by connecting
multiple transistors, and then stores the results in an output register. The control unit will then move
this data to memory. To function properly, the CPU relies on the system clock, memory, secondary
storage, and data and address buses. Smaller devices like mobile phones, calculators, held gaming
systems, and tablets use smaller-sized processors known as ARM CPUs to accommodate their
reduced size and space. The CPU is the heart and brain of a computer. It receives data input, executes
instructions, and processes information. It communicates with input/output (I/O) devices, which send
and receive data to and from the CPU.
Additionally, the microprocessor has an internal bus for communication with the internal cache
memory, called the backside bus. The main bus for data transfer to and from the CPU, memory,
chipset, and AGP socket is called the front-side bus. The CPU contains internal memory units, which
are called registers. These registers contain data, instructions, counters and addresses used in the
ALU's information processing. Some computers utilize two or more processors. These consist of
separate physical microprocessors located side by side on the same board or on separate boards. Each
CPU has an independent interface, separate cache, and individual paths to the system front-side bus.
Multiple processors are ideal for intensive parallel tasks requiring multitasking. Multicore CPUs are
also common, in which a single chip contains multiple CPUs.

References: Mano, M. Morris. 1984. Digital Design. Pearson

BCA-S203: Computer Architecture & Assembly Language