Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU) are two typical components of Central Processing Unit (CPU). Explain them briefly.

CS Professional · Information Technology and Systems Audit · PYQS · December 2018
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU) are two typical components of Central Processing Unit (CPU). Explain them briefly.

Answer & Explanation:

Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU) An ALU is an integrated circuit within a CPU that performs arithmetic and logic operations. All calculations are performed in the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) of the CPU. It also does comparison and takes decision. The ALU can perform basic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc. and does logic operations via $,>,<,=,<=,>=etc$, logic transactions also include Boolean comparisons, such as AND, OR, XOR, and NOT operations. Whenever calculations are required, the control unit transfers the data from storage unit to ALU once the computations are done, the results are transferred to the storage unit by the control unit and then it is send to the output unit for displaying results. ALUs are designed to perform integer calculations. Therefore, besides adding and subtracting numbers, ALUs often handle the multiplication of two integers, since the result is also an integer. Control Unit Control Unit is the part of the computer's central processing unit (CPU), which directs the operation of the processor, it also controls all other units in the computer. The control unit instructs the input unit, where to store the data after receiving it from the user. It controls the flow of data and instructions from the storage unit to ALU. It also controls the flow of results from the ALU to the storage unit. The control unit is generally referred as the central nervous system of the computer that control and synchronizes its working. A control unit works by receiving input information to which it converts into control signals, which are then sent to the central processor. The computer's processor then tells the attached hardware what operations to be performed. The functions that a control unit performs are dependent on the type of CPU because the architecture of CPU varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Functions of the Control Unit It coordinates the sequence of data movements into, out of, and between a processor's many sub-units. It interprets instructions. It controls data flow inside the processor. It receives external instructions or commands to which it converts to sequence of control signals. It controls many execution units (i.e. ALU, data buffers and registers) contained within a CPU. It also handles multiple tasks, such as fetching, decoding, execution handling and storing results.

Topics: Computer Hardware

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