Computer Processor Components

• The processor or Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the internal hardware component of the computer that is responsible for executing the instructions of programs.
• The processor is made up of several important components, each of which has a specific role.
• The ALU is responsible for performing arithmetic calculations and logical operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and bitwise operations.
• The control unit (or program control unit) is in charge of organising the sequence in which program instructions are executed, followed by decoding the instructions.
• Decoding an instruction means that the opcode and operand of an instruction are analysed to determine what needs to be done to execute the instruction, i.e. specify the type of instruction and the address mode used, fetch any required data, and co-ordinate the sequence of micro-operations.

Test your knowledge of the internal components of a computer processor, including the ALU and control unit. Understand the roles of each component in executing program instructions.