Computer Science
Types of Processor
Processors in computer science can be categorized into different types based on their architecture and functionality. Some common types include central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Each type of processor is designed to handle specific tasks, such as general computing, graphics rendering, or specialized functions, and they vary in terms of performance, power consumption, and cost.
Written by Perlego with AI-assistance
Related key terms
1 of 5
6 Key excerpts on "Types of Processor"
- eBook - PDF
- Alvin Albuero De Luna(Author)
- 2023(Publication Date)
- Arcler Press(Publisher)
A single processor can only execute one instruction at a time; it is not feasible to run many programs at the same time on a single processor. A program may require a resource, like an input device, that has significant latency, or a program may initiate a slow process, like sending output to a printer, to complete its task. As a result, the CPU would be considered “idle” (unused). So that the processor remains active at all times, the execution of like a program is stopped, and the OS switches to running another application on the same computer. It will seem to the user that the apps are running at the same time as one another (Medvegy et al., 2002; Tkalcic and Tasic, 2003). Soon later, the concept of a “program” was broadened to include the concept of an “executing program and its surroundings.” The notion of a process was introduced, and it became important with the advent of reentrant code, which was also introduced. Threads were introduced a little later (Gatos et al., 2004; Piotrowski, 2012). 4.8. TYPES OF CENTRAL PROCESSING UNITS (CPUS) There are six different types of CPUs available. Single-core, dual-core, quad-core, Hexa-core, octa-core, and deca-core processors are all available. These are the six different types of CPUs that may be found in computers, laptops, and mobile phones. The multithreading, efficiency, speed, clock frequency, cache, and effective functioning of mobile and computer devices are all determined by these sorts of CPUs (Lipkin, 1984; Matsuzawa, 2003). Computer Processing and Processors 145 The speed at which software applications run is determined by the CPU’s power. In PCs, the primary manufacturers are Intel and AMD, while in mobile devices, the main manufacturers are MediaTek, Qualcomm, Apple Bionic, and Samsung (Exynos), each of which has its form of CPU. Let’s look at the many sorts of CPU processors and their characteristics (Figure 4.10). - eBook - PDF
- Greg Tomsho(Author)
- 2020(Publication Date)
- Cengage Learning EMEA(Publisher)
Most client computers have one such chip and are referred to as single-processor computers. In reality, to ensure complete functionality, the CPU requires several support chips, such as chips that help manage communications with devices and device drivers. CPU technology continues to develop with the addition of multicore processors. A processor core is the part of a CPU that reads and executes machine code, such as reading and writing data from and to memory or executing an arithmetic operation. CPUs were originally created to have only one core and thus perform only one instruction at a time. A multicore processor has two or more cores—for example, a dual-core processor contains two cores and a quad-core processor has four. As of this writing, the number of processor cores used in traditional client and server computers ranges from two to the 72 found in Intel’s Xeon Phi processor, although it’s still possible to buy a single-core processor. Development continues in this area, and scientists so far have put as many as 1000 cores on a single CPU chip. The inside of an Intel Core i7 processor with six cores is shown in Figure 3-1. CPUs are manufactured on a silicon wafer, and the result is called a die. The chip you install in a motherboard might be about 5 cm 3 5 cm (2 in. 3 2 in.), but the actual MODULE 3 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) 112 Copyright 2021 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it. - eBook - PDF
Computer Architecture
Fundamentals and Principles of Computer Design, Second Edition
- Joseph D. Dumas II(Author)
- 2016(Publication Date)
- CRC Press(Publisher)
chapter three Basics of the central processing unit The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of any computer system based on the von Neumann (Princeton) or Harvard architectures intro-duced in Chapter 1. Parallel machines have many such brains, but normally each of them is based on the same principles used to design the CPU in a uniprocessor (single CPU) system. A typical CPU has three major parts: the arithmetic/logic unit (ALU), which performs calculations; internal reg-isters, which provide temporary storage for data to be used in calculations; and the control unit, which directs and sequences all operations of the ALU and registers as well as the rest of the machine. (A block diagram of a simple CPU is shown in Figure 3.1.) The control unit that is responsible for carrying out the sequential execution of the stored program in memory is the hallmark of the von Neumann–type machine, using the registers and the arithmetic and logical circuits (together known as the datapath ) to do the work. The design of the control unit and datapath have a major impact on the performance of the processor and its suitability for various types of applications. CPU design is a critical component of overall system design. In this chapter, we look at important basic aspects of the design of a typical general-purpose processor; in the following chapter, we will go beyond the basics and look at modern techniques for improving CPU performance. 3.1 The instruction set One of the most important features of any machine’s architectural design, yet one of the least appreciated by many computing professionals, is its instruction set architecture (ISA). The ISA determines how all software must be structured at the machine level. - eBook - PDF
CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam
Guide to Computing Infrastructure
- Jean Andrews, Joy Shelton, Jill West, , Jean Andrews, Joy Shelton, Jill West(Authors)
- 2019(Publication Date)
- Cengage Learning EMEA(Publisher)
AMD’s current desktop sockets are TR4, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, and FM2+. Feature 4: Multiprocessing abilities . The ability of a system to do more than one task at a time is accomplished by several means: Multiprocessing . Using two processing units (called arithmetic logic units or ALUs) installed within a single processor is called multiprocessing . With multiprocessing, the processor, also called the core, can execute two instructions at the same time. Multithreading . Each processor or core processes two threads at the same time. When Windows hands off a task to the CPU, it is called a thread and might involve several instructions. To handle Copyright 2020 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it. 119 Types and Characteristics of Processors two threads, the processor requires extra registers, or holding areas, within the processor housing that it uses to switch between threads. In effect, you have two logical processors for each physical processor or core. Intel calls this technology Hyper-Threading and AMD calls it HyperTransport . The feature must be enabled in BIOS/UEFI setup and the operating system (OS) must support the technology. Figure 3-2 This quad-core processor has four cores and each core can handle two threads CPU CPU CPU CPU Quad-core Processor Multicore processing . A single processor in the processor package is called single-core processing and using multiple processors installed in the same processor housing is called multicore processing . Multicore processing might contain up to eight cores (dual-core, triple-core, quad-core, and so forth). - David Groth, Ron Gilster, Megan Miller(Authors)
- 2015(Publication Date)
- Wiley(Publisher)
4 CENTRAL PROCESSING UNITS Starting Point Go to www.wiley.com/college/groth to assess your knowledge of central processing units (CPUs). Determine where you need to concentrate your effort What You’ll Learn in This Chapter ▲ CPU packages, slots, and sockets, voltages, and cooling mechanisms ▲ CPU features and technologies ▲ Popular CPU manufacturers and CPU families ▲ CPU installation and troubleshooting steps After Studying This Chapter, You’ll Be Able To ▲ Identify a failing CPU ▲ Determine and analyze CPU specifications so that you will know when a CPU should be upgraded ▲ Use your understanding of CPUs and their specifications to select an appropriate CPU for a PC ▲ Safely remove and install a CPU that is compatible with a computer’s motherboard ▲ Install a cooling mechanism for a CPU 122 CENTRAL PROCESSING UNITS INTRODUCTION Everything that a computer can do for you is performed by its central process- ing unit, or CPU. The CPU performs all the arithmetic, logic, and computing actions of a PC. You may see your PC as a word processor, a computer game, a World Wide Web browser, an email tool, or any of the other tasks that you perform on your PC. In fact, each of these tasks is software that is made up of thousands of instructions that the CPU executes one at a time to create the actions that you see and use. The CPU, which is also called a microprocessor or processor, is a discrete piece of electronic circuitry that uses digital logic to per- form the instructions of your software. CPUs are housed on the motherboard and exchange data with the mother- board circuitry and memory through buses. Manufacturers use a number of ways to both package the CPU and attach the CPU package to the motherboard. When you upgrade a CPU or select a CPU for a new system, you need to be able to ensure that the CPU is compatible with the motherboard. Many motherboards can accommodate several models of CPUs, and you need to compare CPUs for per- formance and suitability.- eBook - PDF
- Stephen D. Burd(Author)
- 2015(Publication Date)
- Cengage Learning EMEA(Publisher)
Opportunities for parallelism are greater when a computer system includes multiple CPUs. Because a typical computer system executes multiple programs at the same time, multi-ple CPUs enable instructions from two separate programs to execute simultaneously. However, the CPUs must cooperate to ensure that they don’t interfere with one another. For example, the CPUs shouldn’t try to write to the same memory location, send a message over the system bus, or access the same I/O device at the same time. To keep interference from happening, processors must watch one another continuously, which adds complexity to each processor. Current microprocessor fabrication technology enables placing multiple CPUs on the same chip. The coordination complexities are similar to those of CPUs on separate chips, but implementing CPUs on the same chip allows them to communicate at much higher speeds and allows placing shared memory and other common resources on the same chip. This topic is discussed in more detail in Chapter 6. T E C H N O L O G Y F O C U S Intel Core Processor Family Intel Core processors are direct descendants of the Intel 8086/8088 processors used in the original IBM PC. Current Core processors maintain backward compatibility with these processors and intervening processor generations in all areas, including instruction set, data types, and memory addressing. The first Core processor was introduced in 2006 as the successor to several generations of the Pentium processor. Later Core processor generations include the Core2 Duo, Core2 Extreme, Core2 Quad, and Core-i7. ( continued ) Copyright 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience.
Index pages curate the most relevant extracts from our library of academic textbooks. They’ve been created using an in-house natural language model (NLM), each adding context and meaning to key research topics.





