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What is a Processor?
A processor is an integrated circuit that performs mathematical calculations and logical operations. In older computer systems, the central processing unit (CPU) was solely responsible for executing all computations. Today’s computers typically have multiple types of processors that are optimized for different tasks.
Key Takeaways
- A processor is a type of integrated circuit.
- Processors fetch an instruction from memory, decode it to understand what is being asked, and then carry out the instruction.
- They do this by performing mathematical calculations (like addition or multiplication) and logical operations (like AND, OR, and NOT).
- Historically, the terms CPU and processor were used as synonyms because the CPU was the only processor in a computer system.
- Today, CPUs work in conjunction with a number of other processors that are optimized for specific tasks.
History of Processors
In the 1940s, early computers had to be physically rewired to perform different types of computations.
In the 1950s, the concept of Von Neumann’s stored-program architecture made it possible to build processing units that could handle a variety of computational tasks and logical operations.
These units, which were made of vacuum tubes, were collectively referred to as a central processing units because they were the main components responsible for executing software programs.
The 1960s saw the gradual replacement of vacuum tubes with transistors in processors, leading to smaller and more efficient designs. By the 1970s, advancements in integrated circuit technology made it possible to put the entire central processing unit (CPU) on a single microprocessor chip.
In the early 2000s, further advancements in CPU design led to the development of dual core CPUs and quad core processors. They significantly improved computer performance by enabling parallel processing.
Today, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) require additional specialized processors that are optimized for tasks that the general-purpose CPU is not as efficient at handling.
It’s expected that in the future, quantum mechanics will revolutionize computing by allowing processors to execute complex computational tasks exponentially faster than is possible today.
How Processors Work
Processors have a fixed architecture and a predefined set of instructions they can execute. They work by fetching a programmed instruction from the computer’s memory, decoding it to identify the type of operation to be performed and the data sources, and then carrying out the corresponding mathematical calculations and logical operations.
This process, which is repeated continuously, is called a fetch-decode-execute cycle or machine instruction cycle. The specific implementation of each stage in the cycle can vary, depending on the processor’s instruction set architecture, design features, and purpose.
Functions of a Processor
The primary function of a processor is to execute programmed instructions.
Additional functions include:
- Managing data flow and storage.
- Handling interrupts and exceptions.
- Controlling input/output (IO) operations.
Components of a Processor
A processor’s exact components can vary depending on its architecture, but there are three core components that are common across all types of processors.
- The control unit (CU) directs the operation of the processor by telling other components how to execute instructions.
- The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs mathematical and logical operations.
- Registers are small storage locations within the processor that are used to save data, addresses, and control information actively being processed.
CPU vs. Processor
CPU refers to the processing unit in a computer that is responsible for executing general-purpose instructions and working with the operating system (OS) to manage the other computer components and ensure they work together.
In contrast, the term processor is broader and can refer to any type of processor. Essentially, while all CPUs are processors, not all processors are CPUs.
Types of Processors
Processors can be categorized by their instruction set architecture (ISA), design features, and purpose.
Understanding the difference between different types of processors can help people make informed decisions about what type of hardware, software, or managed service provider (MSP) will meet their needs best.
For example, a user might want to know whether a cloud hosting service uses multi-core processors that are optimized for handling large volumes of traffic.
Common Instruction Set Architectures (ISAs)
Popular Design Features
Specialized Processors
The Bottom Line
In the early days of computing, the CPU was often the sole processor in a computing system. This historical association has caused many processor definitions to use “processor” and “CPU” as synonyms.
To define processors accurately, it’s important to recognize that while all CPUs are processors, not all processors are CPUs. Processor is a broader term that describes a wide range of integrated circuits designed to fetch, decode, and execute instructions.
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References
- Quantum mechanics: Definitions, axioms, and key concepts of quantum physics | Live Science (Livescience)
- The Basics of Instruction Set Architecture | Lenovo US
(Lenovo) - What is CISC architecture? (Educative)
- Microcontroller Unit – Embedded Artistry (Embeddedartistry)
- All about neural processing units (NPUs) – Microsoft Support (Support.microsoft)
- What Is a QPU? | NVIDIA Blogs (Blogs.nvidia)
