IGNATIUS AJURU UNIVERSITUY OF EDUCATION
P.M.B. 5047 RUMUOLUMENI, PORT HARCOURT
ASSIGNMENT SUMMITED BY:
NAME: NWIDAG JOSEPHINE DORMENE
MATRIC NUMBER: U/2023/30316
DEPARTMENT: COMPUTER SCIENCE
LEVEL: 200
SERIAL NUMBER: 239
COURSE TITLE: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND
ORGANIZATION
COURSE CODE: IFT 222
LECTURER: DR, DOMAKA NANWIN
DR, L. NBAKEE CHIKA
QUESTION:
LIST AND EXPLAIN THE FUNCTIONAL UNITS OF A COMPUTER
JULY 2025
Introduction
A computer system consists of several units that work together to receive data (input), process
the data, store it, and produce results (output). These units are collectively referred to as the
functional units of a computer.
Understanding these units is fundamental in courses like Computer Organization, Computer
Architecture, and Digital Logic Design, as they form the core structure on which modern digital
systems are built.
According to Olalekan I. O. (FUTA) and Morris Mano (Digital Logic and Computer Design), the
functional units can be grouped into five major categories.
Functional Units of a Computer
i. Input Unit
The input unit is responsible for feeding data and instructions into the computer from external
devices. It acts as a bridge between the user and the system.
Examples of Input Devices:
Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Microphone
Functions:
•Accepts raw data and converts it into machine-readable form.
• Sends converted data to memory or processing unit.
ii. Memory Unit (Storage Unit)
This unit stores both data and instructions, either temporarily or permanently. It is classified into
primary (main) memory and secondary memory.
Primary Memory:
• RAM (Random Access Memory) – volatile and fast
• ROM (Read Only Memory) – non-volatile, stores boot and system-level instructions
Secondary Memory:
• Hard Drives
• SSDs
• Flash Drives
iii. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is the “brain” of the computer. It is subdivided into two main parts:
a. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
• Performs all arithmetic and logic operations.
b. Control Unit (CU)
• Directs operations by sending control signals and executing instructions.
iv. Output Unit
The output unit takes processed data from the computer and converts it into human-readable
form.
Examples of Output Devices:
• Monitor
• Printer
• Speaker
v. System Interconnection (Bus Unit)
While often overlooked, the Bus is a vital functional unit. It provides the pathway for data
transfer among the CPU, memory, and input/output units.
Types of Buses:
• Data Bus – Transfers data between units.
• Address Bus – Carries memory addresses.
• Control Bus – Carries control signals.
Summary Table
Functional Unit Primary Role
Input Unit Accepts and converts user data into
machine form
Memory Unit Stores data and instructions
temporarily/permanently
CPU (ALU + CU) Executes operations and controls
processes
Output Unit Converts and presents results in human-
readable form
Bus Unit Transfers data, addresses, and control
signals
References
• Olalekan I. O. (2018) – Digital Logic and Microprocessor Fundamentals, FUTA Press
• Uwakwe Chukwudi (2016) – Introduction to Computer Architecture, UNILAG
• Nwosu Emmanuel (2020) – Computer Systems Architecture, UNN Lecture Notes
• M. Morris Mano & M. D. Ciletti – Computer System Architecture, 3rd Edition
• William Stallings – Computer Organization and Architecture, 10th Edition
