Computer Hardware Fundamentals
Computer Science 11
Computer Systems
Understanding the Building Blocks of a Computer
Transistors, Understand the CPU
Parts of the Computer
RAM, Hard Drives, and Graphics
Learning Objectives
Answer the hardware questions on Google Classroom during this lesson.
The Foundation of Computing
WATCH “How Transistors Work”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhNyURBiJcU
Transistors
Architecture means the design of a computer system and how the processor functions.
Von Neumann architecture is used by modern computers, but was proposed in 1945 by John von Neumann.
Von Neumann Architecture
ALU & Control Unit
Main Memory
Input
Output
Components: ALU and Control Unit (CPU), Memory, Input/Output,
Stored Program Concept: Data & instructions stored together
Question: Why do you think the "stored program" idea revolutionized computing?
The Control Unit coordinates activities within the CPU.
It is responsible for fetching, decoding and executing instructions.
Control Unit
ALU
The ALU typically performs 5 operations:
1. Addition – Adding two numbers.
2. Subtraction – Subtracting one number from another.
3. Multiplication – Multiplying two numbers
4. Division – Dividing one number by another
5. Logical Operations – Performing operations like AND, OR, XOR, and NOT, which are essential for decision-making and control flow.
Arithmetic Logic Unit
buses and clock
The CPU
Central Processing Unit
Control Unit + ALU = CPU
Registers
The registers are small amounts of storage located within the CPU for ‘parking’ data and instructions temporarily during operations.
Clock
Buses
Buses are wires through which data/signals are transmitted from one component to another.
Describe the functionality for each component of the CPU.
Registers
Control Unit
Bus
Bus
ALU
Clock
Control Unit
Type here
ALU
Type here
Registers
Type here
Clock
Type here
Buses
Type here
Describe the functionality for each component of the CPU.
Registers
Control Unit
Bus
Bus
ALU
Clock
Control Unit
Decodes instructions fetched from memory, coordinates the CPU's components and controls data flow.
ALU
The Arithmetic Logic Unit is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations (e.g. AND, OR, NOT).
Registers
Small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU.
Clock
Synchronises other components with a stream of pulses.
Buses
Transfer data from one component in the CPU to another.
Fetch
The instruction is fetched from memory to CPU.
Decode
The instruction is decoded to work out what it is.
Execute
The instruction is executed
(carried out).
Fetch-Execute Cycle
The CPU continually reads instructions stored in main memory and executes them.
For this class know:
Parts of a Computer
RAM:
Permanent Storage:
RAM vs Permanent Storage
HDD vs SSD
Solid State Drive Hard Disk Drive
Integrated:
Integrated vs Dedicated Graphics
Dedicated:
Finish answering the questions on Classroom
Add a link to your questions and these slides to your notes.
Prepare for the Hardware Lab.
What Now?