What does a processor consist of? The main parts and their functions

Many confident PC users are well aware of the main components of a computer, but few understand what the processor consists of. Meanwhile, this is the main device of the system, which performs arithmetic and logical operations. The main function of the processor is to obtain information, process it and return the final result. It all sounds simple, but in fact this process is complicated.

What the processor consists of

A CPU is a miniature rectangular silicon wafer that contains millions of transistors (semiconductors). They implement all the functions that the processor performs.

Almost all modern processors consist of the following components:

1. Several cores (rarely 2, usually 4 or 8) that perform all functions. In essence, the core is a separate miniature processor. Several cores integrated into the main chip work on tasks in parallel, which speeds up the data processing. However, not always more cores mean faster chip operation.
2. Several levels of cache memory (2 or 3), due to which the time of interaction between RAM and the processor is reduced. If the information is in the cache, then the access time to it is minimized. Therefore, the larger the cache volume, the more information will fit into it and the faster the processor will be.
3. RAM controller and system bus.
4. Registers - memory cells where the processed data is stored. They always have a limited size (8, 16 or 32 bits).
5. Coprocessor. A separate kernel that is designed to perform operations of a certain type. Most often, the graphic core (video card) acts as a coprocessor.
6. The address bus that connects the chip to all devices connected to the motherboard.
7. Data bus - for communication between the processor and RAM. In essence, a bus is a set of conductors through which an electrical signal is transmitted or received. And the more conductors there are, the better.
8. Synchronization bus - allows you to control the clock cycles and frequency of the processor.
9. Restart bus - resets the state of the chip.

All these elements take part in the work. However, the most important among them, of course, is the core. All other specified components only help him perform the main task. Now that you understand what the processor consists of, you can examine its main component in more detail.

Kernels

Speaking of what the central processor consists of, first of all it is necessary to mention the kernels, since they are the main parts of it. Kernels include function blocks that perform arithmetic or logical operations. In particular, we can distinguish:

1. Block sampling, decoding and executing instructions.
2. Block for saving results.
3. Command counter block, etc.

As you understand, each of them performs a specific task. For example, the instruction fetch unit reads them at the address specified in the instruction counter. In turn, the decoding blocks determine what the processor needs to do. Together, the work of all these blocks allows us to achieve the task specified by the user.

The core problem

Note that cores can only perform mathematical calculations and comparison operations, as well as move data between RAM cells. However, this is enough for users to play games on the computer, watch movies, and browse the web.

In fact, any computer program consists of simple commands: add, multiply, move, divide, go to instructions when the condition is met. Of course, these are just primitive commands, but combining them together allows you to create a complex function.

Registers

What does the processor consist of besides cores? Registers are its second important component. As you already know, these are fast memory cells where the processed data is located. They are different:

1. A, B, C - are used to store information during processing. There are only three of them, but this is enough.
2. EIP - the address of the next instruction in the queue is stored in this register.
3. ESP - data address in RAM.
4. Z - here is the result of the last comparison operation.

The processor is not limited to these registers. There are others, however, the above are the most important - they are most often used by the chip to process data during the execution of a program.

Conclusion

Now you know what the processor consists of and which modules are the main ones. A similar composition of the chips is not constant, as they are gradually being improved, new modules are added, old ones are improved. However, today what the processor consists of, its purpose and functionality are exactly as described above.

The composition and approximate principle of operation of processor systems described above are simplified to a minimum. In fact, the whole process is more complex, but to understand it you need to get the appropriate education.