Hardware: Processors and CPUs

Kenny Yang

What is a Processor?

-inputs outputs-software instructions to useful information-central processing unit (CPU)

Transistor-silicon-voltage controlled-on/off-smallest size: 2000=human hair

Transistor-N and P (NPN shown)-voltage input at gate-flow=1, no flow=0-combine transistors

Integrated Circuit-enhance power of transitor-mass production-before circuit, wires-store and process bits and bytes

CPU-condenses chips and circuits into microprocessor-controls the whole computer-chips onto wafer

CPU-components-control unit: coordinator-arithmetic/logic unit (ALU): logic-registers: bytes in process

CPU-components-cache: temp storage area, boosts speed-clock speed: internal clock in GHz-overclocking

RAM-random access memory-works with CPU-not enough-slow-temporary storage area to work with apps

ROM-read-only memory-permanent storage-fixed circuit states

Video Memory-graphics support-buffer between microprocessor and display-may have graphics processing unit (GPU) to assist CPU

Motherboard-connects all the components-slots for microprocessor, RAM, ROM, video card, extensions-form controls size of computer

Bus-connects components of motherboard-speed impacts CPU performance-front side bus (FSB) feeds instructions to CPU

Machine Cycle-organizes processing instructions-4 steps:

-record location-fletching from RAM-decode-send to ALU

Multiprocessing-multiple processors-parallel processing: divide work-graphic rendering-save time

Multicore-multiple CPUs on one chip-increased speed-slower clock speed

Moore’s Law-Gordon Moore’s prediction-more is better-law will eventually end

New Technologies-High k-materials: smaller than silicon-Optical computing: light waves-3D processing: vertical and horizontal

New Technologies-quantum computing: quantum mechanics-DNA computing: nanotech, DNA< enzymes, 100,000x PC speed

Summary-instruction translation-transistors-CPU-components held on motherboard-rate of advancement