cpu

Informatics

2022

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

Single-chip microprocessors were replacing CPUs.

What is a CPU?

CPU is short forCentral processing unit, a component basic of any device that processes data and performs mathematical-computer calculations.

The CPU provides the ability toprogramming and, along with the memory and the input / output devices, is one of the components present in thehistory of computers. Over time, microprocessors of a chip were replacing CPUs, usually when this term is referred to, it is spoken of microprocessors.

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

See also:Motherboard

What is a CPU for?

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

In the first place, it is in charge of receiving and interpreting data and executing the sequences of instructions to be carried out by each Program using arithmetic and mathematical operations. The CPU interprets all the data that comes from the device, both from the programs and the information sent by the Username through apps.

In addition, it 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 higher the energy consumption.
  • Clock frequency. It refers to the clock speed that the CPU has and that determines the number of actions it can execute in a period of weather.
  • Number of cores. The greater the number of nuclei, the greater the number of actions that can be performed simultaneously.
  • Number of threads. Help the processor to manage and execute actions more efficiently. Divide tasks or processes to optimize waiting times between one action and the other.
  • Cache. Stores data and allows quick access to it. The speed and capacity of the cache memory improves the performance of the device.
  • Type of bus. It refers to the communication established by the CPU 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 thememory, decrypts it and executes it.
  • Logical arithmetic unit. It is a digital circuit that carries out the logical, mathematical and arithmetic operations between the data.
  • Floating point unit. It is a component specialized in the calculation of floating point operations.
  • Cache. 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 the instructions in execution.
  • Memory controller. It is a circuit that can 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 the 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 in:

  • 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, allowing more than one action to be performed at the same time.
  • Quad core. There are four independent cores that allow several actions to be carried out at the same time, they are usually more efficient processors than those with two cores.

CPU language

The binary language that a CPU reads is made up of zeros and ones.

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

Theprocessors do not interpret any type of information, but that written in a way binary, 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.

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