Computer Organisation and Architecture - Vol 1 | 19. Introduction to the CPU by Abraham | Learn Smarter
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19. Introduction to the CPU

This chapter provides an overview of the central processing unit (CPU), detailing its fundamental components such as the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), registers, and control mechanisms. It highlights the roles of general-purpose and specialized registers, as well as the importance of interconnections among CPU components. The chapter concludes with discussions on memory interaction and bus architecture, emphasizing the trade-offs in CPU design and performance.

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Sections

  • 19.1

    Introduction To The Cpu

    This section provides an overview of the main components of a CPU, including the ALU, registers, and control signals, and explains their functions within the CPU architecture.

  • 19.1.1

    Basic Components Of Cpu

    The section introduces the core components of a CPU, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), registers, and the controller, outlining their functions and interconnections in the processing of data.

  • 19.1.2

    Arithmetic And Logic Unit (Alu)

    The section introduces the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU), its components, and its crucial role in processing arithmetic and logical operations in a CPU.

  • 19.1.3

    Register Bank

    The section discusses the structure and function of the register bank within a CPU, detailing the types of registers and their significance in data processing.

  • 19.1.4

    Controller

    This section delves into the architecture and function of the CPU's controller, detailing its integral role in managing operations within the CPU, including arithmetic and logic functions, registers, and interconnections.

  • 19.1.5

    Types Of Registers

    This section covers the various types of registers found in a CPU, detailing their functions and differences between general-purpose and special-purpose registers.

  • 19.2

    Storage Elements

    This section discusses the basic storage elements of a CPU, focusing on the registers and the arithmetic logic unit (ALU).

  • 19.2.1

    General Purpose Registers

    This section discusses the function and importance of general-purpose registers in a CPU, describing their role in processing data efficiently by providing fast access compared to main memory.

  • 19.2.2

    Special Purpose Registers

    This section covers the function and significance of special purpose registers in a CPU, contrasting them with general-purpose registers.

  • 19.3

    Alu Design

    This section provides an overview of the design and function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and its interactions with various components in a CPU.

  • 19.3.1

    Computation In Alu

    The section discusses the structure and functioning of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) within the CPU, highlighting its computation capabilities and the various registers involved in processing.

  • 19.3.2

    Trade-Offs In Alu Design

    The section discusses the various trade-offs involved in the design of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in CPUs, highlighting the balance between performance, complexity, and cost.

  • 19.4

    Interconnections In Cpu

    This section explores the main components of a CPU, their interconnections, and the function of various registers and the ALU.

  • 19.4.1

    Control Signals

    This section discusses the roles of control signals in a CPU, detailing essential components like the ALU, registers, and their interconnections.

  • 19.4.2

    Bus Architecture

    This section explains the bus architecture of a CPU, highlighting the roles of its primary components such as the ALU and registers.

  • 19.4.3

    Types Of Buses

    This section explores the types of buses in a CPU, highlighting their roles and importance in data transmission between components.

  • 19.5

    Conclusion And Objectives

    The conclusion summarizes the essential components of a CPU and outlines the learning objectives for the unit.

  • 19.5.1

    Summary Of Cpu Components

    This section introduces the fundamental components of a CPU, including the ALU, registers, and control unit, emphasizing their roles and interactions.

  • 19.5.2

    Future Topics

    This section explores the fundamental components of a CPU, including the ALU, registers, and their interconnections, providing an overview of their functionalities and significance within computer architecture.

References

ch7 part b.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • The CPU consists of various...
  • Registers are classified in...
  • Altering design choices in ...

Final Test

Revision Tests