CHAPTER # 2

COMPUTER COMPONENTS
Q#1 : Define Central Processing Unit in detail.
Ans : Central Processing Unit (C.P.U) :

CPU is the brain of the computer system and the most important computing element of the
computer system.
The processing and calculating function is performed in CPU.
CPU is the hub of processing activities as it transforms raw data into meaningful information.
In large computing machines CPU requires one or more printed circuit boards while in personal
computers it is housed on a single chip called a microprocessor.

Functions Of C.P.U :

It interprets the data and instructions.

It generates control signals.
It performs arithmetic and logic operations.
It produces the address bits needed by memory.

Typical Components of CPU :

There are two typical components of CPU.
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU).
Control Unit (CU).
Arithmetic And Logic Unit (A.L.U) :

A.L.U is that part of the CPU which performs Arithmetic as well as Logical operations on data.
ALU operates with the help of temporary volatile memory called registers which are housed on the
C.P.U.

Functions Of A.L.U :

The ALU performs the basic functions on data received from the primary storage based on
instructions from the control unit.
ALU performs arithmetic operations like addition , subtraction , division and multiplication.
ALU also performs logical operations like comparison of data.

Control Unit (C.U) :

All the computers resources are managed by the control unit.

It extracts instructions from memory (RAM) and decodes and executes them , calling on the ALU
when necessary.
It regulates operation in a computer by directing data flow within C.P.U.

Functions of (CU) :

Interprets and carries out instructions of computer programs.

Selects program statements from memory.
Moves instructions to registers in the control unit and carries them out.

Q#2 : Draw a block diagram of Central Processing Unit (C.P.U).

Ans : Diagram at book page #28.
Q#3 : Define Buses and their types.
Ans : BUSES :
A bus is a collection of wires that acts as a communication path between CPU and other devices through
signal transfer. The bus width determines the speed of data transmission. There are also local buses that
connect elements within the CPU and buses which connect the computer to external memory and
peripherals.
WORKING OF BUSES :
A processor communicates with I/O devices and memory by using signals that travel along a set of wires or
connections called bus.
TYPES OF BUSES :

There are three different forms of buses on the basis of signal type they carry.
They carry address , control and data signals , so the three main types of buses are
o Address Bus
o Control Bus
o Data Bus
Address Bus
Definition

It is the connection between the

CPU and main memory which
transmit the address from which
the CPU will read or write.
Features

Control Bus
Definition
It is a physical connection
between CPU and other devices
which carries the control
information.
Features

Data Bus
Definition
It is communication route through
which data can travel between
the computers CPU, memory and
peripherals.
Features

(1) It is used to identify particular

locations in main memory where
data is stored.

(1) It carries signals that report

the status of various devices.

(1) It transfers data signals

between computers CPU ,
memory and peripheral devices.

(2) The number of bits in the

address bus can determine the
amount of memory the CPU can
address. In modern PCs there are
36 address lines to access the 64
GB of main memory theoretically.
In actual it is less & depends on
quality of chipset and
motherboard.

(2) For example one line of the

bus is used to indicate whether
the CPU is currently reading from
or writing to main memory.

(2) Each wire transmits a single

bit at a time so 8-bits bus can
transfer 8-bits at a time and so
on.

Q#4 : Define Registers.

Ans : REGISTERS :
A register is a type of volatile or temporary memory and is part of CPU. Data currently being processed is
stored in registers. There are fourteen basic registers shared by ALU and CU collectively.
Q#5 : Define Memory and its types.
Ans : MEMORY :
Memory is a storage device inside the computer where the data or information resides.
TYPES OF MEMORY :
There are two basic types of memory :
(Internal / Primary / Main) Memory
(External / Secondary) Memory.
(a) (INTERNAL / PRIMARY / MAIN) MEMORY :

Internal memory is a set of chips located on the motherboard close to the microprocessor so that
data can travel quickly between the two devices.
Internal memory is also called primary or main memory. It is a fast but expensive form of memory.
it is volatile and requires electric current to retain information. It can be accessed directly by CPU.
Its types are RAM and ROM.

(b) ( EXTERNAL / SECONDARY ) MEMORY :

External memory uses tapes and disk to store information. This memory is separated from the CPU
and is also called secondary storage.
It is slowest and cheapest form of memory but it cannot be accessed directly by CPU.
it is non-volatile memory and data can be retrieved at any time.
Secondary storage devices are also called auxiliary devices because they are physically separated
from motherboard and connected by means of cables.
Types of external memory are hard drives , floppy disk , optical disk and magnetic disk.

Q#6 : Define Ports and its types.

Ans : PORTS :
A port is a socket at the back of the computer used to plug in various devices. In personal computers
Internal ports are used to connect device like disk drives and display controllers. External ports are used to
connect devices like modems , printers and other peripheral devices.
TYPES OF PORTS :
There are two types of ports ;
Serial Ports.
Parallel Ports.
SERIAL PORT

PARALLEL PORT
Definition

It is a port or interface that can be used for serial

communication in which only one bit is transmitted
at a time.

It is a socket or interface for transmitting data in

parallel in which more than one bit is transmitted at
a time.

Connector

A serial port has a male connector and has 9 or 25

pins.

A parallel port has a female connector and has 25

pins.

Data Transmission
It sends information through the cable one bit at a
time.

It sends eight bits or more of information at a time.

Speed
It sends data at a slower rate.

It sends data at a faster rate.

Reliability

It is reliable for sending data at a longer distance.

It is not reliable for sending data at a longer

distance.

Type of Devices Attached

It attaches slower devices like mouse , modem and
printer.

It attaches faster devices like tape drives , CD-ROM

and hard disk.

Q#7 : Differentiate between RAM and ROM.

RAM

ROM
Definition

RAM stands for Random Access Memory also

referred as read and write memory.

ROM stands for Read Only Memory which permits

you to only read data.
Volatility

It is a volatile ( temporary ) memory.

It is a non - volatile ( permanent ) memory.

Programming

It is not a pre programmed memory.

It is a pre programmed memory.

Alteration

It is erasable and volatile memory.

It is not erasable alterable or re programmed

memory.
It can be erased only by exposing it to ultra violet
light or high electrical charge.
Types

Dynamic RAM ( DRAM ).

PROM : Programmable Read Only Memory.

Static RAM ( SRAM ).

EPROM : Erasable Programmable Read Only

Memory.
EEPROM : Electrically Erasable Programmable Read
Only Memory.