Topic 2: CPU
The CPU's main task is to process and analyze all input data, all calculation requests from
the user and then "instruct" other components to perform the work.
The CPU is designed in a rectangular or square shape depending on the line. From the
shape of the CPU chip, we will see a small corner to place the chip correctly into the
CPU socket. The chip will be placed and firmly reinforced into a compatible CPU socket
found on the motherboard. At the bottom of the chip are hundreds of pins connected to
each corresponding hole on the CPU socket.
The CPU is made up of millions of transistors arranged together on a small circuit board.
For example, the Intel Pentium processor has 3.3 million transistor components and
executes about 188 million instructions per second. The structure of a computer CPU will
include 3 main parts.
CU - Control Unit. This integrated component in the computer CPU has the main
function of interpreting program instructions. Accordingly, it will perform processing
control, precisely adjusted by the system clock. This is the core part of the processor from
the logic circuit compared to semiconductor components such as transistors.
ALU - Arithmetic Logic Unit. This unit performs arithmetic and logic operations and
then returns the results to the register or memory.
Registers. Registers are usually equipped in the computer CPU. The task of this device is
to temporarily store operands, calculation results, memory cell addresses or control
information. It is known that each register has a specific function and although they are
small in size, the access speed is very high.
The operating principle of a computer CPU will operate in 3 basic steps: Fetch, Decode
and Execute. Although over the years and through many improvements, the operating
principle remains the same.
In which, Fetch will have the function of receiving instructions transferred from RAM.
Through that, instructions are put into the instruction register.
The next step is Decode. It happens immediately after an instruction is fetched and stored
in the instruction register. At this time, they will be transmitted to a circuit called the
instruction decoder. The purpose of this is to convert the instruction into a signal that is
sent to other parts of the CPU for execution.
The final step is Execute. At this time, the decoded instructions will be sent to the parts of
the computer CPU for execution. The results are usually written to the CPU register,
where they can be referenced by later instructions. This register works like RAM.
In general, to put it simply, the operating principle of a computer CPU is to receive
commands from user actions and requests. Then it will decode those commands into
machine language. Next, it will store the commands and transmit them to other parts of
the computer to execute user requests.
1. Find the answers to these questions in the text.
a) What is the purpose of the small corners on the CPU chip?
b) What is the basic component to build a CPU?
c) What are the main functional components of a CPU?
d) How fast is a regular CPU now?
e) Where should we place the CPU chip so it can work?
f) What is the working mechanism of the CPU?
g) Can we reduce the number of steps in CPU operation?
