CPU

We explain what a CPU is and some of its main functions. Also, features, parts and the language it uses.

What is a CPU?

CPU is the abbreviation of Central Processing Unit a basic component of any device that processes data and performs mathematical-computer calculations.

The CPU provides programming capabilities and, along with memory and input/output devices, is one of the components present in the history of computers. Over time, single-chip microprocessors replaced CPUs, Usually when this term is referred to, we are talking about microprocessors.

Some of the basic functions of the CPU are to collect information, decode it into smaller parts and carry out instructions, which it then executes.

What is a CPU for?

The CPU is the fundamental piece of any device, it is considered the brain of a system.

First of all, It is responsible for receiving and interpreting data and executing the sequences of instructions to be carried out for each program using arithmetic and mathematical operations. The CPU interprets all the data that comes from the device, both from programs and information sent by the user through applications.

Besides, controls the proper functioning of each component of the system so that all actions are carried out in a timely manner.

Characteristics of a CPU

There are certain characteristics that differentiate one CPU from another:

• Energy consumption . It refers to the amount of energy that the CPU consumes when executing actions, the higher the quality, the greater the energy consumption.
• Clock frequency . It refers to the clock speed that the CPU has and which determines the number of actions it can execute in a period of time.
• Number of cores . The greater the number of cores, the greater the number of actions that can be performed simultaneously.
• Number of threads . It helps the processor handle and execute actions more efficiently. Divide tasks or processes to optimize waiting times between one action and the other.
• Cache memory Stores data and allows quick access to it. The speed and capacity of the cache memory improves the performance of the device.
• Bus type . It refers to the communication that the CPU establishes with the rest of the system.

CPU parts

A CPU is internally composed of the following components:

• Core . It is the base unit that constitutes a CPU, which interprets and executes actions. Originally the processors only had one (single core), but currently the minimum is two.
• control unit . It is a digital circuit that extracts the instruction from memory, decrypts it and executes it.
• logical arithmetic unit . It is a digital circuit that carries out logical, mathematical and arithmetic operations between data.
• floating point unit . It is a component specialized in the calculation of floating point operations.
• Cache memory . It is the memory in which the data that the user consults frequently is stored, this allows the processor to gain speed.
• Records . It is a high-speed memory that allows you to control and store executing instructions.
• memory controller . It is a circuit that may be integrated into the processor and that regulates the flow of data between the processor and memory.
• Bus . It is a digital system that sends and receives data between components.
• Graphic card . It is the component that processes video and image data, which may or may not be included in the CPU.

CPU Types

CPUs are classified according to the number of cores into:

• single core . There is only one core in the processor that can perform one action at a time, it is the oldest type of processor.
• two core . There are two cores, which allows you to perform more than one action at a time.
• quad core . There are four independent cores that allow you to perform several actions at the same time, they are usually more efficient processors than those with two cores.

CPU language

The language of CPUs It is a system of codes through which instructions are communicated that the processor must execute for the correct functioning of the device.

The processors do not interpret any type of information, but rather that written in binary form, that is, with the characters zero and one. Each program or application is made up of a chain of instructions written in this code, which are correctly interpreted by the machine.

References

• “Common CPU components” on BBC.
• “Why does the ratio between CPU, RAM and storage decide performance? in Intel Territory.
• “Central processing unit” on Wikipedia.
• “Types of CPU” in Educba.