CPU Components & Their Function
What are the components of the CPU?
- The CPU is made up of 4 key components
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
- Control Unit (CU)
- Cache
- Registers
- Each of the components sits within the CPU
What is the function of each component?
Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
- Performs arithmetic operations
- Performs logical decisions
- IF X > 5 THEN
DO ……….
- IF X > 5 THEN
Control unit (CU)
- Coordinates how data moves around the CPU by sending a signal to control the movement of the data
- Decodes the instructions fetched from memory
Cache
- Very small, very fast memory located in the CPU which is used to provide quick access to frequently used instructions and data
- The more cache there is, the more data can be stored, which speeds up the performance of the CPU
- It prevents the CPU from having to repeatedly fetch frequently used instructions from RAM
Registers
- Extremely small, extremely fast memory located in the CPU
- Each register has its very own specific purpose
- More details about the individual registers can be found here