architecture, processor (CPU, processor) The part of a computer which controls all the other parts. Designs vary widely but the CPU generally consists of the
control unit, the
arithmetic and logic unit (ALU),
registers, temporary
buffers and various other logic.
The control unit fetches
instructions from memory and decodes them to produce signals which control the other parts of the computer. These signals cause it to transfer data between memory and ALU or to activate
peripherals to perform input or output.
Various types of memory, including
cache,
RAM and
ROM, are often considered to be part of the CPU, particularly in modern
microprocessors where a single
integrated circuit may contain one or more processors as well as any or all of the above types of memory. The CPU, and any of these components that are in separate chips, are usually all located on the same
printed circuit board, known as the
motherboard. This in turn is located in the
system unit (sometimes incorrectly referred to as the "CPU").
A
parallel computer has several CPUs which may share other resources such as memory and peripherals.
The term "processor" has to some extent replaced "CPU", though RAM and ROM are not logically part of the processor.
List of processors (https://lldn.timesys.com/complete_list_of_processors).
(2007-04-02)