Computer System

A block diagram of computer system shows you a structural representation of the computer. This
diagram gives you a short review of the working process of a computer, from inserting data to retrieving
results.

Understanding the block diagram of computer system is essential for anyone interested in computer
science or technology. It provides a framework for understanding how different components of a
computer work together to process data and produce results. By learning about the block diagram of a
computer system, you can gain a better understanding of how computers work and how to optimize
their performance.

In this article, we will explain the computer block diagram, including every tiny detail.

Block Diagram Of Computer System

The computer’s functional units create the computer’s block diagram. The computer divides its tasks
among the major available units in its block diagram.
The Major Components Of The Block Diagram of Computer System Are:-

1. Input Unit

2. Output Unit

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

(1) Control Unit (CU)

(2) Arithmetic And Logic Unit (ALU)6

(3) Memory Unit

(i)Primary memory
(ii)Secondary memory

Input Unit

The computer requires the input unit to receive data and information and then use it to solve problems.
The user provides the computer with data and information. With the use of input devices, we give data
and information input. The input unit is made up of a variety of input devices. Some input devices are a
keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, etc.

The computer’s CPU may process instructions that are provided to it by application programs running on
the monitor. In order for a user to interact with these application programs, input devices must be
present. When a user enters data into the application program via input devices, the CPU suspends the
application program’s instructions and begins receiving input signals. When the CPU receives input
signals, it uses the data from these signals to restart the processing of the application program’s
instructions.
The Input Unit’s Primary Functions Are As Follows:

1. With the use of input devices, collect data from the user.

2. Convert the data from electrical signals to computer-readable machine language.

3. Instruct the CPU to receive data from the input devices.

4. Provide the transformed data to the CPU through the memory unit for further processing.

Output Unit

The computer’s output unit communicates the results of processing and information to the outside
world. In general, the output unit reverses the process of the input unit, converting machine language
into electronic signals readable by the output devices. The Visual Display Unit (VDU), usually known as
the monitor, is the most commonly utilized output device. Other popular output devices include a
projector, headphones, speakers, etc.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the backbone of the computer system. Without it, a computer is nothing. All the instructions
that the computer receives from the user, or a set of instructions, are processed by this ‘brain’. This brain
then prints out the desired result based on the instructions received and the input that the user made.

Rephrase It plays a crucial role in performing arithmetic and logical operations. It is responsible for
controlling the operations of other devices.
Three Major Components Of the CPU Are:-

 Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU)

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a major part of the computer’s Central Processing Unit (CPU). The
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is the portion of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) that handles all of the
Central Processing Unit (CPU’s) calculations.

The ALUs work for all math and operations that are related to arithmetical and logical operations. Also,
they work on the basis of comparisons. Mostly, they are responsible for performing the decision-making
so that they can do most of the operations.

When any calculations must be performed, the Control Unit (CU) passes the data from the memory unit
to the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU). When the computation is completed and the results are created by
the ALU, the CU returns the computation data to the memory unit. The arithmetic unit performs logical,
arithmetic, and bit-shifting operations.

 Central Unit (CU)

Another important part of the computer’s central processing unit (CPU) is the control unit (CU). The
control unit, which coordinates and controls other functional units of the computer, is sometimes known
as the “central nervous system” of the machine. All CPU functions, including ALU operations and data
flow inside the CPU, are under the direction of CU.

The CU plays some important functions in the system which are:-

1. When data is received from users via input devices, the control unit informs the input unit where
to keep it.

2. The control unit (CU) gets one instruction at a time from memory and then executes the
instruction at ALU during program execution; thus, the Govern unit also serves to control the
flow of data and instructions from memory to ALU.

3. And the result of the calculation provided by ALU is given over to CU, which directs it back to
memory as well as to the output unit for display on the screen. The Control Unit (CU) manages
the flow of data from the ALU to the memory and output units.

 Memory Unit (MU)

The memory unit is responsible for storing data and information for the computer’s other functional
components. The computer’s memory unit stores the data and information received from the input unit
before it is processed by the central processing unit (CPU). A memory unit is also known as a memory
unit.

The memory unit also plays some major functions in the system, which are:-

1. The data received from the input unit is stored in the memory unit.

2. Data and information are passed to the CPU for further processing.

3. Variable stores any data or instructions created by the CPU during intermediate processing.
 4. After that, the variable stores the final result of data processing in the CPU.

5. Finally, sends the processed data results to the output devices.

6. It also stores data and information for future use.

The Memory Unit is divided into two categories:-

 Primary Memory

The primary memory is the most quickly accessible memory unit. These memories require relatively little
time to receive and deliver data for processing. The Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit are also close
to the primary memory.

This memory is typically used to store the program that is now running in the CPU, data received by the
input unit, and intermediate and final program results stored and transmitted from memory to the CPU
and back. The primary memory is temporary and volatile. It means that if the computer is turned off, the
data is permanently erased. As a result, it cannot store data for an extended period of time. In order to
prevent data loss, the primary memory sends the data to the computer’s secondary memory.

 Secondary Memory

Secondary memory capacity ranges from gigabytes to terabytes, and it serves as an archive for the
computer system. Secondary memory can be used to store application programs, documents, films,
audio, databases, and so on. Data and information transmission and reception are slower than in
primary memory.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the location where programs are executed. Even before the CPU
begins program execution, it must request that the secondary memory load the program’s key
instructions and information from the secondary memory into the primary memory, after which program
execution begins.

Block Diagram of Computer Processing Unit (CPU)

The Central Process unit or CPU is configured with various components, including the ALU(arithmetic
logic unit), control unit, registers, and memory unit. The arithmetic logic unit holds out arithmetic and
logic operations, and the control unit interprets and executes instructions. Registers are one of the
temporary memory locations that store data and instructions being processed. In the last, the CPU is
connected to the main memory, which keeps data and instructions that the CPU will access.

The Motherboard
1. Definition of the Motherboard

A motherboard is the main circuit board inside a computer that connects the different parts of a
computer together. It has sockets for the CPU, RAM and expansion cards and it also hooks up to hard
drives, disc drives and front panel ports with cables and wires.

Motherboard is also known as a mainboard, planar board or logic board, system board, mobo or MB. It
links all the individual parts of a computer together and also, allows the CPU to access and control these
separate parts. Other than bridging internal components, the motherboard ports also allows you to
connect external devices to the computer. Such external devices would include the monitor, speakers,
headphones, microphone, keyboard, mouse, modem and other USB devices.

2. Functions of the Motherboard

The functions of a computer motherboard are as follows:

i. The motherboard acts as the central backbone of a computer on which other modular parts are
installed such as the CPU, RAM and hard disks.

ii. The motherboard also acts as the platform on which various expansion slots are available to
install other devices / interfaces.

iii. The motherboard is also responsible to distribute power to the various components of the
computer.

iv. They are also used in the coordination of the various devices in the computer and maintain an
interface among them.

v. Some of the Sizes in which the motherboards are available are : BTX, ATX, mini-ATX, micro-ATX,
LPX, NLX etc..