8/10/23, 6:43 PM Explain Block Diagram of Computer and Its Components

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Block Diagram of Computer System

Last updated on January 24, 2023

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Hello friends! in this article, we will explain the block diagram of a computer and its
various components.

With technology upgrading rapidly, now computers have now become part of our daily
lives.

From performing basic operations like watching a movie to high-level functions like
manufacturing a car. The computers are doing it all.

But have you ever thought about how a computer works? What processes go inside it?
What are the fundamentals of a computer? Just like the other machines, the computer
has also a basic architecture. It comprises multiple elements. These elements process
the input and produce the desired output.
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8/10/23, 6:43 PM Explain Block Diagram of Computer and Its Components

Let us look at the basic block diagram of the computer. Then, we will understand how
each part contributes to its functioning.

Block Diagram of a Computer

Block Diagram of a Computer

Input
All the data received by the computer goes through the input unit. The input unit
comprises different devices like a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc. In other words, each of
these devices acts as a mediator between the users and the computer.
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8/10/23, 6:43 PM Explain Block Diagram of Computer and Its Components

The data that is to be processed is put through the input unit. The computer accepts the
raw data in binary form. It then processes the data and produces the desired output.

The 3 major functions of the input unit are-

Take the data to be processed by the user.

Convert the given data into machine-readable form.
And then, transmit the converted data into the main memory of the computer. The
sole purpose is to connect the user and the computer. In addition, this creates easy
communication between them.

CPU – Central Processing Unit

Central Processing Unit or the CPU, is the brain of the computer. It works the same way a
human brain works. As the brain controls all human activities, similarly the CPU controls
all the tasks.

Moreover, the CPU conducts all the arithmetical and logical operations in the computer.

Now the CPU comprises of two units, namely – ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU
(Control Unit). Both of these units work in sync. The CPU processes the data as a whole.

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8/10/23, 6:43 PM Explain Block Diagram of Computer and Its Components

Let us see what particular tasks are assigned to both units.

ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit

The Arithmetic Logic Unit is made of two terms, arithmetic and logic. There are two
primary functions that this unit performs.

1. Data is inserted through the input unit into the primary memory. Performs the basic
arithmetical operation on it. Like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It
performs all sorts of calculations required on the data. Then sends back data to the
storage.
2. The unit is also responsible for performing logical operations like AND, OR, Equal to,
Less than, etc.  In addition to this it conducts merging, sorting, and selection of the
given data.

CU – Control Unit
The control unit as the name suggests is the controller of all the activities/tasks and
operations. All this is performed inside the computer.

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8/10/23, 6:43 PM Explain Block Diagram of Computer and Its Components

The memory unit sends a set of instructions to the control unit. Then the control unit in
turn converts those instructions. After that these instructions are converted to control
signals.

These control signals help in prioritizing and scheduling activities. Thus, the control unit
coordinates the tasks inside the computer in sync with the input and output units.

Memory Unit
All the data that has to be processed or has been processed is stored in the memory
unit. The memory unit acts as a hub of all the data. It transmits it to the required part of
the computer whenever necessary.

The memory unit works in sync with the CPU. This helps in faster accessing and
processing of the data. Thus, making tasks easier and quicker.

There are two types of computer memory-

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8/10/23, 6:43 PM Explain Block Diagram of Computer and Its Components

1. Primary memory – This type of memory cannot store a vast amount of data.
Therefore, it is only used to store recent data. The data stored in this is temporary. It
can get erased once the power is switched off. Therefore, is also called temporary
memory or main memory.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is an example of primary memory. This
memory is directly accessible by the CPU. It is used for reading and writing
purposes. For data to be processed, it has to be first transferred to the RAM and
then to the CPU.

2. Secondary memory – As explained above, the primary memory stores temporary

data. Thus it cannot be accessed in the future. For permanent storage purposes,
secondary memory is used. It is also called permanent memory or auxiliary
memory. The hard disk is an example of secondary memory. Even in a power
failure data does not get erased easily.

Output
There is nothing to be amazed by what the output unit is used for. All the information sent
to the computer once processed is received by the user through the output unit. Devices
like printers, monitors, projectors, etc. all come under the output unit.

The output unit displays the data either in the form of a soft copy or a hard copy. The
printer is for the hard copy. The monitor is for the display. The output unit accepts the

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8/10/23, 6:43 PM Explain Block Diagram of Computer and Its Components

data in binary form from the computer. It then converts it into a readable form for the
user.

Also, check – Full Form of Computer

Summary
Let us finally look at what the data flow looks like inside the computer step by step-

1. The data is accepted by the input unit. It is given by the user. It is then converted
into binary form for the computer to read it.

2. The information is then sent to the memory unit for storage and processing.

3. The required data, that needs to be processed is accessed by the CPU. It is

accessed from the primary storage. The arithmetic and logical operations are then
performed on the data. The control unit schedules all the activities for the smooth
working of the computer.

4. The data is then sent to the storage unit. It is used for storing or further processing
purposes.

5. Then the output unit receives the final processed output.

With this, we have come to the end of this tutorial on the block diagram of a computer
and its components. I hope this will help you with your understanding of computers.

Kuldeep Rana
Kuldeep is the founder and lead author of ArtOfTesting. He is skilled in test
automation, performance testing, big data, and CI-CD. He brings his
decade of experience to his current role where he is dedicated to
educating the QA professionals. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.

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