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?
The small corner is to place the chip correctly into the CPU socket
b) What is the basic component to build a CPU?
The basic component to build a CPU is the transistor.
c) What are the main functional components of a CPU?
The main functional components of a CPU are: CU (Control Unit), ALU
(Arithmetic Logic Unit), Registers
d) How fast is a regular CPU now?
For example, the Intel Pentium processor has 3.3 million transistors and executes
about 188 million instructions per second.
e) Where should we place the CPU chip so it can work?
We should place the CPU chip into a compatible CPU socket found on the
motherboard.
f) What is the working mechanism of the CPU?
There are 3 steps of the working mechanism:
Fetch: receives instructions from RAM into the instruction register.
Decode: converts instructions into signals via the instruction decoder.
Execute: sends decoded instructions to CPU parts for execution, storing results in
registers.
g) Can we reduce the number of steps in CPU operation?
No, although over the years and through many improvements, the operating
principle remains the same.
3.2.1
a. RAM - vii. holds data read or written to it by the processor
1. RAM is the computer’s temporary storage that holds data currently in use.
2. It allows the processor to quickly read and write information while running
programs.
b. Processor - x. controls all the operations in a computer
1. The processor is the “brain” of the computer that carries out instructions.
2. It manages and coordinates all tasks to ensure the system runs smoothly.
c. Mouse - i. controls the cursor
1. The mouse is a pointing device that moves the cursor on the screen.
2. It lets users select, drag, and interact with on-screen elements.
d. Clock - ix. controls the timing of signals in the computer
1. The clock generates regular pulses to synchronize all CPU operations.
2. It ensures every process happens at the right time and speed.
e. 3.5" Floppy Drive - v. reads and writes to removable magnetic disks
1. A 3.5" floppy drive stores and retrieves data from floppy disks.
2. It allows the transfer of files between computers using magnetic media.
f. Monitor - iii. displays the output from a computer on a screen
1. The monitor shows images, text, and videos from the computer.
2. It is the main visual interface for the user to see processed information.
g. Keyboard - ii. inputs data through keys like a typewriter
1. The keyboard is the main tool for typing letters, numbers, and commands.
2. It sends the pressed keys’ signals to the computer for processing.
h. DVD-ROM Drive - iv. reads DVD-ROMs
1. The DVD-ROM drive can read data stored on DVD discs.
2. It is often used to install software or play media from DVDs.
i. Cache - viii. provides extremely fast access for sections of a program and its data
1. Cache is a small high-speed memory inside the CPU.
2. It stores frequently used data so the processor can access it faster than from
RAM.
k. ROM - vi. holds instructions which are needed to start up the computer
1. ROM stores permanent startup instructions for the computer.
2. It is non-volatile, meaning the data stays even when the power is off.
3.2.2 Complete each sentence using the correct preposition
1. The CPU is a large chip in the computer.
2. Data always flows from the CPU to the address bus.
3. The CPU can be divided into three parts.
4. Data flows between the CPU and memory.
5. Peripherals are devices outside the computer but linked to it.
6. The signal moves across the VDU screen one side to the other.
7. The CPU puts the address on the address bus.
8. The CPU can fetch data from memory through the data bus.
3.2.3
b) Shut down your computer by choosing Shut Down from the Apple menu or the
Special menu.
d) Unplug all the cables except the power cord from your computer.
c) If there are security screws on the vertical plate on the back of the computer,
remove them with a Philips screwdriver.
a) Release the two catches underneath and lift up to remove panel.
e) Pulling gently, slide the tray out.
