The CPU & Microprocessor
What is the role of the central processing unit (CPU) in a computer?
- A computer system consists of hardware and software
- The main hardware components of a computer system are input devices, the central processing unit, primary memory, secondary storage and output devices
- Examples of input devices - keyboard, mouse, game controller, sensors, microphone and webcam
- Examples of output devices - monitor, phone screen, speakers, printer, and motors
- Data and commands are inputted by the user using an input device, the central processing unit (CPU) processes data by executing instructions and the results are outputted to an output device
A diagram showing the input, process, output sequence followed by computer systems - Below is an example of data being inputted, processed and the results being outputted
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Input |
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Process |
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Output |
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What is a microprocessor?
- A microprocessor is a type of integrated circuit on a single chip
- An integrated circuit is a small electronic circuit made up of transistors, capacitors, resistors and other electronic components
- The integrated circuit contains a central processor designed to perform arithmetic and logic operations, which include adding, subtracting, transferring numbers from one memory location to another, and comparing two numbers
- The single chip also contains input/output interfaces, and memory
- Microprocessors are a compact way of processing data and can be used in a wide range of electronic devices, including general-purpose computer system and Embedded system
Worked example
What is the purpose of a microprocessor?
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A |
It is the brain of the computer |
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B |
It processes data |
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C |
It executes instructions |
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D |
It is where data is stored permanently |
- B or C [1]
- The microprocessor is sometimes described as the brain of the computer system but this is not an acceptable exam answer. The purpose of a microprocessor is to process data and execute instructions
