May 1, 2024
4 minute read
The central processing unit (CPU) is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing mathematical and logical operations. The CPU is also known as the processor or central processor. The CPU is an essential part of any computer system and is responsible for executing the instructions that make the computer work. A CPU is a complex electronic circuit that can perform a variety of operations, including arithmetic operations, logical operations, and data transfer operations.
What is the CPU?
The CPU is the central part of a computer system, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is often referred to as the brain of the computer, as it controls all of the other components of the system.
The CPU consists of several different components, including the control unit, the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and the registers. The control unit is responsible for fetching instructions from memory and decoding them so that they can be executed by the ALU. The ALU performs the actual calculations and operations specified by the instructions. The registers store data that is being processed by the CPU.
How does the CPU work?
The CPU works by executing a set of instructions, which are stored in memory. These instructions tell the CPU what operations to perform and what data to use. The CPU fetches the instructions from memory and decodes them so that they can be executed by the ALU. The ALU performs the actual calculations and operations specified by the instructions.
ujdb4n|
Find a path to becoming a CPU. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/ujdb4n/cp
Reading list
We've selected 28 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
CPU.
Classic textbook on computer architecture. It provides a comprehensive overview of the subject, from basic concepts to advanced topics.
Considered a classic in the field, this book delves deeper into computer architecture with a focus on quantitative analysis and performance evaluation. It's suitable for advanced undergraduate or graduate students and working professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of CPU design principles, including pipelining, instruction-level parallelism, memory hierarchy, and multiprocessing.
Provides a foundational understanding of computer organization and design, focusing on the hardware/software interface using the RISC-V instruction set architecture. It's widely used as a textbook in undergraduate programs and is excellent for gaining a broad understanding of how a CPU interacts with software. It covers essential concepts like instruction sets, the datapath, control, pipelining, memory hierarchies, and I/O.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer architecture, covering topics such as instruction set architecture, memory systems, and input/output systems.
Comprehensive guide to the MIPS assembly language. It covers topics such as the MIPS instruction set, the MIPS memory system, and the MIPS debugging system.
Similar to the MIPS edition, this book covers digital design and computer architecture but focuses on the ARM instruction set architecture, which is prevalent in mobile and embedded systems. It's highly relevant for understanding the CPUs found in many modern devices.
Provides a practical guide to contemporary CPU architectures, including x86, ARM, and RISC-V. It's relevant for those interested in modern processor design and their applications in various devices. The book covers the design of CPUs for smartphones, PCs, and cloud servers, offering insights into current trends and technologies.
This unique book takes a hands-on approach to building a complete computer system, including a CPU, starting from basic logic gates. It provides a deep understanding of the entire vertical stack of computing and is excellent for solidifying foundational knowledge through practical application.
Delves into the microarchitecture of modern processors, focusing on superscalar techniques. It's suitable for graduate students and researchers interested in the intricacies of high-performance CPU design and advanced topics like instruction-level parallelism and memory disambiguation.
Delves into advanced topics in computer architecture, with a focus on parallelism, scalability, and programmability. It's suitable for graduate-level study and explores complex CPU designs, parallel processing techniques, and the challenges of designing high-performance computing systems.
Offers comprehensive coverage of computer organization and architecture with a focus on performance. It's a widely used textbook that covers essential CPU concepts, including instruction sets, arithmetic, pipelining, memory, and I/O, and discusses performance implications.
Provides a structured, layered approach to understanding computer systems, starting from the digital logic level and moving up through microarchitecture, instruction set architecture, operating systems, and assembly language. It offers a broad understanding of how different layers of a computer system, including the CPU, are organized and interact.
Provides a comprehensive look at parallel computer architecture, examining both the hardware and software aspects. It's valuable for understanding how multiple CPUs and processing units work together to achieve higher performance, a crucial topic in modern computing.
Focuses on the design of System-on-Chip (SoC) using ARM Cortex-A technology. It delves into the practical aspects of integrating CPU cores with other components on a single chip, which is highly relevant to contemporary CPU usage in complex systems.
Focuses specifically on the ARM architecture and is valuable for those working with ARM-based systems. It covers the architecture, instruction set, and software development for ARM processors, providing in-depth knowledge for professionals and advanced students.
Provides a more in-depth look at computer architecture, covering topics such as logic design, microarchitecture, and computer arithmetic.
Offers a comprehensive introduction to computer organization and architecture, suitable for students new to the subject. It covers fundamental concepts in a clear and accessible manner, providing a solid base for understanding CPU operations and design principles. It is often used as a textbook for introductory courses.
Provides a detailed guide to the ARM Cortex-M microcontroller architecture, which is widely used in embedded systems. It's an excellent resource for students and professionals focusing on microcontroller-based designs and understanding the specifics of this popular CPU family.
Comprehensive and accessible introduction to computer architecture in French. It covers topics such as the basic components of a computer, the different types of computer architectures, and the future of computing.
Comprehensive and accessible introduction to computer architecture in French. It covers topics such as the basic components of a computer, the different types of computer architectures, and the future of computing.
Serves as a concise introduction to the RISC-V instruction set architecture, a significant open standard in contemporary CPU design. It's valuable for those interested in understanding this increasingly important architecture and its implications for future CPU development.
Focuses specifically on the design of arithmetic circuits within a CPU. It's a specialized topic but essential for understanding how CPUs perform calculations efficiently. It's suitable for advanced students and professionals interested in the low-level details of CPU implementation.
While not solely focused on CPUs, this book provides a programmer's view of computer systems, offering valuable insights into how hardware, including the CPU, impacts software performance. It's excellent for understanding the interaction between software and the underlying hardware and is widely used in computer science curricula.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/ujdb4n/cp
Save
