The hardware of a Digital Computer system are divided into three major components :-
- CPU ( Central Processing Unit )
- RAM ( Random Access Memory )
- IOP ( Input Output Processor )
1. CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) handles processing. It is split into Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) , control unit (CU), and registers.
- ALU performs math (add/multiply) and logic (AND/OR) operations.
CU decodes instructions and directs flow.
Registers store important data like ALU results.
For example, in gaming, ALU calculates physics (e.g., ball trajectories); CU sequences frames at 60 FPS. Modern CPUs like Intel Core pack billions of transistors, multi-core for parallelism. Real-life: Bank ATMs use CPU to verify PINs securely via logic ops.
Additionally, clock speeds (GHz) sync operations. Without CPU, no computation happens.
2. RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is the storage that contains instructions and data. It stores the operating system, application programs, and the data that the computer is actively using, allowing the CPU to quickly access the information it needs to perform tasks.
For example think of photo editing. RAM stores images for quick filters; SSD saves finals. 16GB RAM prevents lags in multitasking.
3. IOP
IOP stands for Input Output Processor. It is the one of the most important units of a computer system that contains circuits which help in communicating and controlling the transfer of information and data among the computer and to the outer world .
