What is a processor? Structure and role of microprocessors

The microprocessor is likened to the “brain” of every electronic device, acting as the center for processing and controlling computing operations, not simply a piece of hardware but the core that determines performance and user experience. So what is a processor? What is the structure and the great role it brings to modern technology? Join RX Tradex to explore the details in the article below.

1. What is a microprocessor?

The Central Processing Unit (CPU), also known as the microprocessor chip, is the “heart” of the computer, acting as the brain of the system, whose main task is to process programs and data. The faster the CPU’s processing speed, the more efficient the computer will be.

The main tasks of a CPU processor are divided into three basic stages. The first is to search for and retrieve commands from your computer’s RAM memory. Next, the processor decodes these commands to understand their true meaning. Finally, it executes these commands using its other internal components.

2. Structure of the microprocessor

The microprocessor (CPU) is in the form of a small chip and is composed of three main components: a control unit (CU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and registers.

• The controller (CU) is responsible for managing and operating CPU operations. It reads commands from programs and applications, then decrypts them to understand the meaning and executes the corresponding tasks. The controller is synchronized using the system’s clock clock, ensuring that the operations in the CPU take place in the correct sequence.
• An arithmetic and logical calculator (ALU) is an electronic circuit inside the CPU, which is responsible for performing arithmetic calculations (such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and logical calculations (such as AND, OR, NOT) on data. The ALU receives inputs from registers or memory, performs mathematical operations, and returns results to the corresponding registers or memory.
• Registers are small pieces of memory that are used to temporarily store important values during processing. Despite their small capacity, their retrieval speed is very high, helping the CPU retrieve and store data quickly. The registers can contain the results of calculations, the address of the memory cell to be accessed, or important control information.

3. Basic parameters on the processor

3.1. CPU Clock Speed

The CPU clock speed measures the number of pulses that fluctuate per second, expressed in units of Hz (hertz), MHz (megahertz), or GHz (gigahertz). This is an important measure of a computer’s processing power. However, clock speed does not always determine absolute performance. It also depends on factors such as processor type, RAM memory, bus architecture, and other components of the system. This can result in a high-speed condition where performance does not increase accordingly if other components are not upgraded accordingly.

3.2. Register width

Registers are small and fast memory cells in the CPU that speed up processing by providing direct access to the required values. The width of the register is expressed in bits and directly affects the CPU’s ability to process data. For example, a 32-bit register can access up to 4 GB of RAM, while a 64-bit register has a lot more processing power.

3.3. Processor Bus

Cache is the CPU’s cache, which temporarily stores data and instructions that the CPU needs to access frequently. Common cache levels include L1, L2, and L3, with capacities ranging from a few megabytes to tens of megabytes. Large Cache supports increased processing performance by minimizing latency and optimizing data accessibility.

3.4. Cache

Bus Speed or FSB (Front Side Bus) is the communication speed between the CPU and the motherboard chipset. It affects the speed at which data is transferred between the CPU and other components such as graphics cards, RAM memory, and other peripherals. Measured in Hz, Bus Speed is usually expressed as proportional to the CPU’s clock speed to determine the effective ratio.

3.5. Operating voltage of the microprocessor

The voltage of the CPU is the level of power provided for the processor to operate, usually between 1V and 1.5 V. For power-efficient CPUs, this voltage level can be lower, which helps to save energy and reduce heat loss.

4. Technologies on laptop processors

4.1. Hyper-Threading

Hyper-Threading is Intel’s hyper-threading technology, which allows one processor to execute two processing threads simultaneously on each physical core. This significantly enhances the system’s processing performance and multitasking capabilities.

4.2. Virtualization Technology

Multi-Core technology allows the processor to integrate multiple processing cores into the same chip. These cores operate independently but can share resources and work simultaneously, optimizing multitasking and enhancing system performance.

4.3. Intel Turbo Boost

Intel Turbo Boost is a technology that automatically boosts the CPU’s processing speed to the maximum level when needed, based on the needs of applications and tasks. This technology improves processing performance and better meets high workload requirements.

4.4. Intel HD Graphics

Intel HD Graphics is a technology that integrates graphics chips on Intel’s CPUs, providing basic graphics processing without the need for a discrete graphics card. It is a popular choice for office applications, entertainment, and basic graphic tasks.

4.5. Multi – Core

Virtualization Technology on CPUs supports virtualization, allowing virtual environments to run multiple operating systems and applications in parallel on the same physical system. It is ideal for virtual server environments and applications that require high security.

4.6. Extended Memory 64 Technology (EM64T)

Extended Memory 64 Technology (EM64T) expands the processing power of 64-bit processors, improving system performance and compatibility. It allows the operating system and 64-bit applications to work more efficiently and smoothly.

5. The role of the processor

Microprocessors play an important role in:

• Processing programs and data: It is the main function of the CPU, including performing mathematical operations, comparing data, and controlling computer operations.
• Manage peripherals: Allows computers to connect and communicate with external devices such as keyboards, mice, monitors, printers, and more.
• Multitasking: Allows the computer to run multiple programs at the same time without interruption.

6. Conclusion

The microprocessor is the most important component in a computer, playing a key role in determining the performance and operability of the system. Understanding the concept of “What is a processor?” as well as its structure and functions will help businesses have more information to choose the right CPU for their needs to optimize work efficiency and save costs. In addition, businesses can register to participate in the NEPCON Vietnam exhibition to update new trends, as well as the most advanced technology solutions in the electronics industry today.