Computer Components Overview

Computer Components

• Computers are divided into five main units: Input Unit, Storage Unit, Arithmetic Unit, Control Unit, and Output Unit.
• The five units work together to process information.

Five Main Units in Computing

• Input Unit: Receives data from the outside world.
• Storage Unit: Stores data and instructions.
• Arithmetic Unit: Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
• Control Unit: Controls the flow of data and instructions.
• Output Unit: Displays results.

Information Elements

• Integrated Circuit (IC): A chip or microchip containing thousands or millions of tiny resistors, capacitors, and transistors. It is classified by integration level and structure.

• IC Classification by Integration Level:

  • SSI (Small Scale Integration): 10¹-10²
  • MSI (Medium Scale Integration): 10²-10³
  • LSI (Large Scale Integration): 10³-10⁴
  • VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration): >10⁵

• IC Classification by Structure:

  • Bipolar IC: Used for logic elements.
  • CMOS IC: Used for storage elements.

• Semiconductor memory: Logic elements for operations, and storage elements for data and instructions. Semiconductor memory is divided into RAM and ROM.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

• A volatile memory, needing constant power to store data.
• All data is lost when the power is turned off.
• Made of millions of transistors and capacitors.
• Classified as DRAM (Dynamic RAM) and SRAM (Static RAM).

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

• Read-only memory, also known as firmware.

• Instructions are written into ROM by the manufacturer.

• Data stored in ROM is non-volatile (permanent).

• ROM Types:

  • Mask ROM: Programs and data are pre-written by the manufacturer. The user cannot modify.
  • User Programmable ROM: Data can be written into it once.

    • PROM (Programmable ROM): Once written, it cannot be erased.

    • EPROM (Erasable PROM): Can be erased with UV light and rewritten.

    • EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM): Can be erased and rewritten electrically. This is frequently used in flash memory and IC cards.

Processor Architecture

• Processor Structure:

  • Control Unit:
    • Retrieves instructions from main storage.
    • Decodes the instruction.
    • Transmits specifications for instruction execution.
  • Arithmetic Unit:
    • Performs arithmetic and logical operations (comparison, branch instructions) and other processes.

• Logical Operations:

  • Logical product (AND)
  • Logical sum (OR)
  • Negation (NOT)
  • Exclusive logical sum (EOR)
  • Negative logical sum (NOR)
  • Negative logical product (NAND)

Processor Performance

• Clock: An important part of a microprocessor, which determines the maximum speed at which units can operate and synchronize related operations.

This quiz covers the five main units of computers: Input, Storage, Arithmetic, Control, and Output Units. Additionally, it explores Integrated Circuits (IC) and their classifications based on integration levels such as SSI, MSI, LSI, and VLSI. Test your knowledge on how these components work together to process information.