Central Processing Unit (CPU) 

 

A CPU’s purpose is to function as the “brain” of a computer. It is the part that performs operations and sends and receives data to all other parts. CPUs are generally square-shaped, having an average length of an inch on each side. The height and size of the CPU are comparable to the size of a quarter. The first invention of the CPU was the Intel 4004. It was developed by Federico Faggin, Ted Hoff, and Masatoshi Shima in 1971. This would go on to set the standard for all future CPUs. Federico Faggin was born in December 1941 and became an engineer, physicist, inventor, and entrepreneur that led the development of the Intel 4004. Ted Hoff was born in October 1937 and was an electrical engineer. He handled the patent and idea of a “Single-chip that can do it all”. Last, Masatoshi Shima was born in August 1943 and was a Japanese electronics engineer. He aided Ted Hoff in reducing the original three-chip design into a single chip. He also patented the silicon design along with Faggin. The CPU was invented to automate all calculations required by the computer. Before the CPU was invented, all calculations were done by humans daily. This was an issue since errors were common and people could not do all the calculations fast enough.   

 

The main components of a CPU are the 1. Control Unit, 2. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), 3. Cache, 4. Registers, 5. Buses, 6. Clock and 7. Pins. The Control Unit: The main part that oversees and controls every part of the CPU. Receives and sends data from all parts of the CPU. Without the Control Unit, the CPU would be unable to function. Arithmetic Logic Unit: Completes all mathematical and logical calculations that the computer requires. Uses registers for calculations and storing data. A kind of RAM that stores temporary data and instructions. The Cache can reuse the temporary data and instructions when needed. Registers: part of a computer’s memory that has distinct functions depending on the type of register. The most common functions are storing instructions, temporary data, and memory addresses. (The instructions are for the control unit). Buses: This is the link that connects the control unit to every other part of the computer by using signals. Primarily used to send and receive signals from the processor to other components. Clock: Manages the speed and time of the functions of the other parts of the CPU. It is part of the control unit that keeps every part of the CPU coordinated with each other. Pins: Connects the CPU to the CPU Socket. Without the pins, the CPU wouldn’t receive power. Depending on the quality and number of cores the CPU is made with, it can cost an average of $300. The price greatly depends on if the CPU is multicore or not. There are lots of earlier and new models available for purchase. 

 

 

The CPU can be considered as, one of the most important parts of a computer. Without it, we would have to run computers off our own capabilities of mathematics. It is because of Federico Faggin, Ted Hoff, and Masatoshi Shima that we can improve our technology and use computers in the modern era.