central processing unit

views updated

central processing unit (CPU) Part of a digital computer circuit that controls all operations. In most modern computers, the CPU consists of one complex integrated circuit (IC), a chip called a microprocessor. A CPU contains temporary storage circuits that hold data and instructions; an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) that works out problems; and a control unit that organizes operations.

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

central processing unit

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article

Related Content

NEARBY TERMS

central processing unit