Fundamentals of Computer > Central Processing Unit (CPU) > CPU and its Functions

What is data Processing in computer?

The procedure that transforms raw data into useful information is called processing.

Two components handle processing in a computer:

1. Processor (CPU)
2. Memory

Both of these two components are located on the computer’s main system board or Motherboard.

What are the functions of the CPU?

CPU is sometimes referred to as the ‘brain’ or ‘heart’ of a computer system. It is the part of the computer that actually processes the data.

The primary functions of a CPU are:

• The CPU accepts data and instructions from the input device (or from the software stored in its memory).
• It processes the data according to the given instructions.
• Finally it stores the results of the operations in its memory or displays it in a suitable output media such as monitor, printer etc.

Beside processing, the functions of CPU are also-

• Controls the flow of data throughout the system.
• Control the operations of all other units of the system.
• Places data in memory and retrieves them when needed.

Different parts of the CPU & Their Functions

 Every CPU has at least two basic parts: 

1. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
2. Control Unit

Moreover, memory is also referred to as the part of CPU.

The parts of the CPU are usually connected by an electronic highway known as ‘Bus’. To temporarily store data and instructions, the CPU has high-speed special-purpose memory devices called ‘Registers’.

The primary functions of ALU are:

• All arithmetic calculations and logical decisions are performed in the ALU.
• When needed for processing, ALU receives data and instructions (involving arithmetic or logical operations) from primary memory.
• ALU temporarily sends back the partial results to the primary memory, until needed later.
• After the processing is over, the ALU then sends the final result to the memory unit to be stored either permanently or temporarily.

The primary functions of Control Unit are:

• This unit controls and coordinates the activities of all other units of a computer system.
• It takes instructions from the memory unit one at a time and interprets them. It then sends appropriate signals to all other units to cause the specific instruction to be executed.
• According to the stored instructions, the control unit ensures that the right operation is done on the right data at the right time.

Control unit acts as a central nervous system although it does not perform any actual processing on the data.

The primary functions of Memory Unit are:

• Memory stores data and instructions received from the input device for processing.
• It supplies information to the ALU when required.
• It receives partial or final results from the ALU.
• It supplies final results to the output device.

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Different parts of the CPU & Their Functions

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