Basic Elements of a Processor

• Processors are found inside every computer. processor 3 image by BlueMiniu from Fotolia.com

  The processor functions as the main hub of the computer. Most of the work is done there. The processor takes data input and converts it to information output. Every computer has a processor of some form. The processor is a circuit inside the machine that has a quartz crystal that vibrates when an electrical current is sent through it. The processor has many parts, but a few stand out as the basic important ones.

Control Unit

• The control unit of the processor is made up of circuits that utilize electric signals and use them to tell the processor to carry out stored program instructions. This unit needs to be in communication with the memory of the computer and the logic unit. The control unit does not execute commands itself, but tells other parts of the computer what to do.

Logic Unit

• This is the part of the processor that carries out all of the computer's arithmetical and logical operations. This unit can perform the four basic mathematical functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The logical functions include comparing numbers, letters and special characters. The computer then takes action based on the result of the comparisons. The results have three possible outcomes, which are less than, greater than or equal to.

Registers

• Registers serve as places where the processor can temporarily store data. These places are not considered part of the computer's memory, but rather, they aid in speeding up the computer. Registers are told by the control unit what data to accept and reject and when to store and let data go. Registers can have different functions. These are accumulators, which saves results of comparisons; address registers, which locate stored data; storage registers, which store data and general registers, which can perform any of the functions.