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ALU Functions in Modern CPUs

An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a digital circuit that performs arithmetic and logic operations and represents the fundamental building block of the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer. The ALU loads data from input registers, performs operations designated by the control unit on that data, and stores the result in an output register, while the control unit directs data movement. All information in a computer is stored and manipulated using binary numbers represented by open and closed transistor switches.

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104 views18 pages

ALU Functions in Modern CPUs

An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a digital circuit that performs arithmetic and logic operations and represents the fundamental building block of the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer. The ALU loads data from input registers, performs operations designated by the control unit on that data, and stores the result in an output register, while the control unit directs data movement. All information in a computer is stored and manipulated using binary numbers represented by open and closed transistor switches.

Uploaded by

Jashparikh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

• An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a digital circuit used to

perform arithmetic and logic operations.

• It represents the fundamental building block of the central


processing unit (CPU) of a computer.

• Modern CPUs contain very powerful and complex ALUs.

• In addition to ALUs, modern CPUs contain a control unit


(CU).
• Most of the operations of a CPU are performed by one or more
ALUs, which load data from input registers.

• The control unit tells the ALU what operation to perform on


that data, and the ALU stores the result in an output register.
•
• The control unit moves the data between these registers, the
ALU, and memory
How an ALU Works

• An ALU performs basic arithmetic and logic operations.

• Examples of arithmetic operations are addition, subtraction,


multiplication, and division.

• Examples of logic operations are comparisons of values such


as NOT, AND, and OR.
• All information in a computer is stored and manipulated in the
form of binary numbers, i.e. 0 and 1.

• Transistor switches are used to manipulate binary numbers


since there are only two possible states of a switch: open or
closed.

• An open transistor, through which there is no current,


represents a 0.

• A closed transistor, through which there is a current, represents


a 1.
– The simplest type of operation is a NOT gate. This uses
only a single transistor.
– It uses a single input and produces a single output, which is
always the opposite of the input. This figure shows the
logic of the NOT gate:

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