The CPU

KS4 – Computer systems

 Objectives

Lesson: The CPU

In this lesson, you will:
● Describe the basic components of the CPU
● Describe the roles and purpose of each component of the CPU in
computation

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 Activity 1

Von Neumann architecture

Computer architecture is a term

used to describe the design of a
computer system.

Modern computers use the von

Neumann architecture designed by
John von Neumann.

Von Neumann was a mathematician

whose research has had a huge
impact on a number of fields.
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 Activity 1

Von Neumann architecture

Before von Neumann

In the beginning, computers were

nowhere near as efficient or small as
they are now.

The instructions they ran were hard-

wired, physical switches that your
data went through. This meant
changing one thing in your program
could take months to check.
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 Activity 1

Von Neumann architecture

The stored program concept

Von Neumann proposed a new way

to store and run programs on a
computer.

His idea was to store common

instructions in memory alongside the
data, making computers much more
versatile. This architecture has been
widely adopted today.
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 Activity 1

Von Neumann architecture

1. Data and instructions are stored

as binary digits
2. The instructions are fetched
from memory, one at a time in
order (serially)
3. The processor decodes
instruction before it executes it

In order to follow this system,

modern CPUs contain several key
components that all play a role.
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 Activity 1

Von Neumann architecture

The CPU

Input Output

Main Memory

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

CPU stands for central processing

unit. Bus
Clock

Inside of the CPU, there are a Bus

ALU
number of key components:
Control
1. Control unit Unit
Bus
2. Arithmetic logic unit
3. Buses
4. Registers Registers
Bus
5. Clock

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Let’s think of each component as a

member of a team working
together. You are going to think
about what characteristics the
component would need as if they
were people.

You must make notes on their roles,

as well as what they manage,
control, or store.

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Control unit

The control unit runs the show. It

understands the instructions and
tells the other components what
Control
each instruction needs from them. Unit

What characteristics does the

control unit need?

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Control unit

The control unit is organised,

efficient, and collaborative.

Control
What does it control, manage, Unit
or store?

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Control unit

The control unit is organised,

efficient, and collaborative.

Control
What does it control, manage, or Unit
store?

It manages the instructions, and

controls the other components.

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

The ALU is the calculator of the CPU.

It handles mathematical and logical
ALU
operations that are required as part
of an instruction.

What characteristics does the

ALU need to have?

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

The ALU is logical, good with

numbers, and precise.
ALU

What does it manage, control,

or store?

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

The ALU is logical, good with

numbers and precise.
ALU

What does it manage, control, or

store?

It manages calculations and logic.

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Clock

Clock
The CPU contains an internal clock
that is used to regulate the number
of cycles carried out per second, and
synchronise the other components.

What characteristics does the

clock need to have?

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Clock

Clock
What characteristics does the
clock need to have?

Punctual, reliable, and good rhythm.

What does it manage?

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Clock

Clock
What characteristics does the
clock need to have?

Punctual, reliable, and good rhythm.

What does it manage?

The cycles per second.

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Registers

These are very small, very fast

memory locations located inside the
CPU. There are a few key registers.

Memory address register (MAR)

Memory data register (MDR)
Current instruction register (CIR) Registers
Program counter (PC)
Accumulator (Acc)
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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Registers

Each stores and manages specific

useful data.

Memory address register

Stores memory addresses used
when searching for data in RAM.
Registers
Memory data register
Stores the data when fetched from
memory. 20
 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Registers

Current instruction register

Holds the binary representation of
the instruction to be executed.

Program counter
This register counts up as each
instruction is executed, keeping track Registers
of how many instructions are in a
program.
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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Registers

Accumulator
Stores important data being used in
calculations.

What characteristics do
registers need to have?
Registers

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Registers

Fast and reliable memory, also good

at sharing.

Registers

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Buses
Bus

A CPU bus is a set of parallel wires

that transport data between the Bus
components inside the processor
and memory. Bus

What characteristics do buses

need to have?
Bus

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Buses
Bus

Social, fast, and efficient.

Bus
What do buses manage, store,
or control? Bus

Bus

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Buses
Bus

Social, fast, and efficient.

Bus
What is a bus?
Bus
A communication pathway along
which data signals are transmitted
around the CPU.
Bus

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

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 Activity 2

Inside the CPU

Component Stores Manages Controls

Control unit The instructions. The other components.

Arithmetic logic unit Arithmetic and logical

operations. Calculations and
comparisons.

Registers Memory addresses (MAR)

Data from memory (MDR)
Current instruction (CIR)
A count of instructions (PC)

Buses The flow of data around the

CPU and to and from main
memory.

Clock The cycles per second.

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 Activity 3

Components of the CPU

For each of the components of the CPU, choose a memorable image to
represent it and sketch it in your notes. Justify why the image is suitable next
to it. You can use these for inspiration, but it’s better if you make them up for
yourself.

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 Summary

Next lesson

In this lesson, you… Next lesson, you will…

Learnt about the components of the Understand the cycle that a

CPU processor goes through when
executing instructions

Learn about the role of the

components inside the CPU during
the fetch-decode-execute cycle

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