control unit

noun, Computers.
1.
the part of a CPU that interprets the instructions in programs and directs the operation of the entire system.
2.
controller (def 5).
Origin
1960-65
Examples from the web for control unit
  • And they can print objects in multiple materials, such as a plastic remote-control unit with rubbery buttons.
  • The machine is provided with a control unit monitored at all times by an election officer.
control unit in Technology


1. The part of a CPU that sends control signals to other components to cause them to execute the machine cycle - fetch, decode, execute, store.
2. Any device that controls the I/O operations of one or more peripheral devices, e.g. a disk controller.
(2008-05-21)