Central Processing Unit Essay Example

information.The instruction cache is where the control unit's instructions are stored. Specific instruction data is loaded into the CPU when it is manufactured.

The pre-fetch unit is the information portal. Input data goes through the pre-fetch which stores a copy of the data before sending it on to be processed by the control unit. The decode unit translate the input instruction into binary code, which is then sent on to the ALU. The arithmetic logic unit, or ALU, receives the code from the decode unit and chooses the action needed to carry out the command. RAM and ROM are the CPUs memory cache.

Here, all information that has been sent, received or preloaded is stored. Sections of the RAM and ROM can be accessed by the system user. Process There are a series of steps that a CPU performs to execute a command. Each command is handled individually and a CPU can process multiple commands in a matter of seconds.

The more powerful the CPU, the faster the commands are processed. 1. A command is issued by the system user using an input device such as a keyboard or mouse. 2. The command is sent to the prefect unit. The unit accesses the preloaded CPU memory to identify the command and sends it to the command unit.

. The command unit determines what steps come next. This data is passed on to the decode unit. 4. The decode unit transfer the data into binary code and sends it to the ALU. 5.

The ALU changes the raw data into an actual command. 6. The ALU sends a copy of the command to the RAM or ROM

before sending it back to the command unit. 7. The command unit sends the code to the part of the system that will actual perform the action.

8. The action is executed and the result is sent back to the user. Types There are different types of CPUs; each type comes with varying degrees of speed memory and preset instructions.The larger the CPU, the faster it can process, store and execute commands. A single core CPU is the smallest unit available. It is usually found in smaller appliances that only perform a simple set of actions such as a remote control or toy.

Dual-core CPUs contains two command units and contain enough power and memory for most personal computers. Multi-core CPUS contain multiple command units. They are mainly used by large industrial electronic devices, servers, and network work stations. Sizes CPU size refers to the unit's power to perform tasks and the amount of memory space it contains.

CPU size is measured in binary digits and is called bits. Originally, CPUs contained 4-bits but that has since evolved into 8 bits. 8 bit CPUs are the smallest and slowest components available and are used mostly in toys or household appliances. 16-bit and 32-bit have become the standard CPU size and can be found in personal computers, laptops, cell phones and other electronic devices that can perform a variety of tasks. 64-bit CPUs are becoming increasingly popular in high-end personal computers and laptops. There are also larger CPUs which are usually used for industrial purposes.