CPU HARDWARE

Advancement in CPU Hardware



Advancement in CPU Hardware

Introduction

These days computers are used in almost all the important fields. The use of computer has enabled us to develop new technologies and find answers to questions previously unanswered. A computer ideally consists of three step process; input, process and output. Among these, the “process" is the most important step. It is this step, which has evolved so much as to make difficult calculations just a click away. The processing of a computer is done by its central processing unit or more commonly called CPU.

Central Processing Unit

The Central Processing Unit is the most important component of a computer. It is the essential part of a computer. Without CPU, there cannot be a computer. CPU consists of millions of transistors that are embedded in silicon chips. Transistors are electronic devices that allow electricity to flow only in certain conditions. Under a weak electrical signal, a transistor behaves as an insulator, while under a strong electrical signal, it becomes a conductor. It is made from semiconductors such as silicon. These days the common term used for CPU is a processor or a microprocessor. Many companies manufacture microprocessors. Some of the famous companies are Intel, AMD, IBM and Motorola. Microprocessors are present in all kinds of computer systems and arrangements (InetDaemon 2012). Processors are in fact integrated chips. The design of integrated chip has been revolutionary in the age of computer (Sameer, p.7).

Integrated Chip

Integrated Chip is made by building all required electrical and electronic components of a circuit into small silicon square. The chip generally has a smaller that one square centimetre area. Millions of transistors are put on the chip. The construction of ICs is completely automated. It contains resistances, capacitors, switches and transistors.

Historical Evolution of CPU

In the early days of computer, all components were large. Electronics had not blossomed yet. The ENIAC computer contained over 17000 vacuum tubes. It drew over a hundred and fifty kilowatts of power. It was very bulky. The idea of CPU was just coming forth. Punched cards were used for storage. The second generation of computers used transistors which were discovered in 1947. Transistors replaced vacuum tubes as they were reliable, cheaper and used much less energy. The third generation of computers brought technology of integrated circuits. This put down the huge size of computer to a manageable one. Then microprocessors came, which are the current norm. They include all necessary components on a single chip fully functional on its own. Electronic devices other than computers usually use a smaller type of microprocessor known as microcontroller (Viescas).

Processor design has been evolving very fast in the previous two decades. First processing was improved by miniaturizing the circuitry on the processor to the extreme extent. Then technologies, such as hyper threading further improved working. The latest innovation is the use of multiple cores on a single chip. Dual core, quad core and even octa-core processors are now available in the market (Smith 2010).

General Structure of CPU

The CPU consists of different working ...