CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer’s “brain” responsible for processing instructions entered into the computer
• The CPU processes instructions and performs calculations in order to produce an output

CPU Functions

• Fetches instructions from memory
• Decodes the instructions to determine the required operation
• Executes the operation
• Stores the result back in memory or sends it to an output device

CPU Components

• The CPU is made up of 3 main components:
  • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
  • Control Unit (CU)
  • Registers