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A central processing unit (CPU), also called a central processor, main processor, or just processor, is the primary processor in a given computer. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] Its electronic circuitry executes instructions of a computer program , such as arithmetic , logic, controlling, and input/output (I/O) operations.
The control unit (CU) is a component of a computer's central processing unit (CPU) that directs the operation of the processor. A CU typically uses a binary decoder to convert coded instructions into timing and control signals that direct the operation of the other units (memory, arithmetic logic unit and input and output devices, etc.).
A microprocessor, ASIC, or expansion card designed to offload a specific task from the CPU, often containing fixed-function hardware. A common example is a graphics processing unit. accumulator A register that holds the result of previous operation in ALU. It can be also used as an input register to the adder. address
Caching works by prefetching data before the CPU needs it, reducing latency. [55] [56] If the data the CPU needs is not in the cache, it can be accessed from main memory. [55] Cache memory is typically SRAM, while the main memory is typically DRAM. [27] RAM is volatile, meaning its contents will disappear if the computer powers down. [57]
Processors based on different circuit technology have been developed. One example is quantum processors, which use quantum physics to enable algorithms that are impossible on classical computers (those using traditional circuitry). Another example is photonic processors, which use light to make computations instead of semiconducting electronics ...
This is an accepted version of this page This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 4 February 2025. Engineering discipline specializing in the design of computer hardware "Hardware engineering" redirects here. For engineering other types of hardware, see mechanical engineering. For engineering chemical systems, see chemical engineering. Computer engineering Occupation Names Computer ...
A process with two threads of execution, running on a single processor . In computer architecture, multithreading is the ability of a central processing unit (CPU) (or a single core in a multi-core processor) to provide multiple threads of execution.
Designers in the late 1960s were striving to integrate the central processing unit (CPU) functions of a computer onto a handful of MOS LSI chips, called microprocessor unit (MPU) chipsets. While there is disagreement over who invented the microprocessor, [ 2 ] [ 14 ] the first commercially available microprocessor was the Intel 4004 , released ...