Basic CPU Architecture
The CPU, or the Central Processing Unit, is one of the main parts of the computer. In fact it is the central component of the computer. Everything depends on the CPU, right from the operating system that can be used, the amount of energy that the PC will use, the software programs that can run on the computer and so on. |
The CPU consists of four main parts. They are the arithmetic unit, the central control unit, and the memory and the input / output devices.
The traditional architecture of a computer is Complex Instruction Set computer or CISC. Here, the CPU uses microcode to perform instruction sets. This kind of architecture required CPUs with large sets off instructions. In 1974, John Cocke of IBM tried to come up with the development that would reduce these large sets off instructions.
The Reduced Instruction Set Computer, or RISC, are those in which the instructions size is kept constant. These CPUs can carry out instructions very fast, as the instructions are very simple. Also, the RISC chips need fewer transistors. Because of this, they are easy and cheap to design and produce. However, they have certain disadvantages. These architectures put a greater burden on the software.
Nevertheless, because of inventions and the reducing the price of microprocessors, RISC chips support as many functions as the previous CISC chips. At the same time, the CISC use many techniques which were used earlier only by RISC chips. This includes companies like Intel which have used RISC techniques in the Pentium family of processors.
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