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Computer Hardware

The document explains computer hardware as tangible components of a computer system, categorized into input-output units, memory units, and processing units. It details how a program is executed by loading it into primary memory, processing it with the CPU, and outputting the results. Additionally, it describes the CPU's structure, functions of its Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU), and includes homework questions for further understanding.

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watchoutguy765
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3 views

Computer Hardware

The document explains computer hardware as tangible components of a computer system, categorized into input-output units, memory units, and processing units. It details how a program is executed by loading it into primary memory, processing it with the CPU, and outputting the results. Additionally, it describes the CPU's structure, functions of its Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU), and includes homework questions for further understanding.

Uploaded by

watchoutguy765
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Hardware

Computer Hardware: Computer hardware are some tangible physical components


or rigid objects of a computer system.
Example: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Hard Disk, RAM etc.

A Computer system is divided into three main categories of hardware units. Those
are below:

 Input-Output units: Input devices (keyboard, mouse etc.) and output devices such
as monitor, printer etc.
 Memory units: Primary memory such as RAM, ROM and secondary memory such
as HDD, DVD, Pen Drive etc.
 Processing unit: Central Processing Unit (CPU) or microprocessor.
Computer System

A system is an ordered group of interrelated and interdependent


components or units that work together to perform some predefined tasks.

A system is a collection of elements or components that are organized for


a common purpose.

Example: Solar system, Digestive system , Computer system etc.

Figure: Block Diagram of a Computer System (Von Neumann Model).


Organization of a Digital Computer

Secondary
Memory
(HD, CD, DVD )

Input Unit Primary Memory Output Unit


(Keyboard) (RAM) (Monitor)

CPU
(Processor)

Figure: Block diagram of the organization of a digital computer.


How a Program is Executed by a Digital Computer

P = Program
Secondary D = Data
Memory Ins = Instruction
(HD, CD, DVD ) Inf = Information

P, D Inf

Input Unit P, D Primary Memory Inf Output Unit


(Keyboard) (RAM) (Monitor)

Ins, D Inf

CPU
(Processor)

Figure: How a program is executed by a digital computer.


Discussion:

To execute a program, the program along with its data must be loaded into
primary memory RAM either directly from an input unit or from a secondary
memory. CPU then takes one instruction and its corresponding data from
RAM. Using that instruction the data is processed and information is
generated. The generated information is then stored back to RAM. Finally,
the information is sent to the output unit and/or saved in secondary memory
for future use.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
What is a CPU?
Answer: A CPU is a single chip used to perform most of the operations of a
computer system. It is called the brain of a computer. Because, a brain
controls all the operations of a human body, similarly, a CPU controls all the
operations of a computer system directly or indirectly. The CPU of a
microcomputer is called microprocessor or simply processor.
Example: Intel Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Motorola 68000, Celeron etc.
Internal Block Diagram and Functions of a CPU
Internal Block Diagram:

A CPU has two major units such as Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control
Unit (CU). It has some local or internal memories which are called registers.
These registers are smallest in capacity but fastest in operation and used to
store data and instructions before and during execution of a program. After
execution they store information. A CPU can also have another type of
memory called Internal cache memory . The cache memory is used to support
the main memory to enhance the system efficiency. It is used to store block of
data and instruction required by a program.
Internal Block Diagram of a CPU
CPU

Arithmetic Logic
Unit (ALU)

Control Unit
(CU)

Registers
Register-1
Register-2
:
:
Registers-N

Internal Cache
Memory

Figure: Internal Block diagram of a CPU.


Functions of CPU

The functions of a CPU are discussed by it’s internal units. These functions
are below:

Functions of ALU

An ALU performs following two functions:


(i) It performs arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division.
Example: X=2+3, Y=7-4, Z=X*Y, P=Y/X .

(ii) It performs logical operations to make decision.


Example:
Marks=73
IF Marks>=80 THEN
Grade=“A+”
ELSE IF Marks>=75 THEN
Grade=“A”
ELSE IF Marks>=70 THEN
Grade=“A-”
Functions of CU

A CU performs following function:

It controls all the units connected with the computer system by generating
necessary control signals. The possible control signals are

MEMR- Memory Read


MEMW- Memory Write
IOR- Input Output Read
IOW- Input Output Write
Home Work
1. What is a System? Is computer a system? Explain

2. Illustrate the Organization of a Digital Computer

3. Sketch the Internal Block Diagram of a CPU

4. State the Functions of ALU

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