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Central Processing Unit (CPU)
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We know that the most advanced computer in the world does not have a brain as sophisticated as that of an ant. True, we could say that of many of our relatives, but we only have to put up with them at weddings or special occasions. Woody Allen |
The
Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the only portion of
the computer that can perform binary arithmetic. Everything
else that is going on in the computer system boils down to binary arithmetic
that the CPU must do. This binary arithmetic work that the CPU performs
for all of the other components is called processing.
As we have seen, ENIAC's CPU took up an entire room. Today, a CPU takes the form of a microprocessor, an entire CPU system that fits on silicon wafer the size of a postage stamp. Such microprocessors include the Intel Pentium processor used in many personal computers, and the Motorola PowerPC processor used in the Apple Power Macintosh series. A typical microprocessor will contain millions of tiny electronic devices, called transistors, interconnected by tiny wires. Each transistor is a simple electronic switch, but when connected to millions of other switches, it becomes a very complex and rather powerful computational engine.
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These pages were written by Steven H. VanderLeest and Jeffrey Nyhoff and edited by Nancy Zylstra
©2005 Calvin University (formerly Calvin College), All Rights Reserved
If you encounter technical errors, contact computing@calvin.edu.