4.7 CPU Chips
The most important integrated circuit in any computer is the central processing unit (CPU). The processing of a CPU is discussed in the next chapter, but it is important to recognize at this point that the CPU is, in one sense, merely an advanced circuit with input and output lines.
Each CPU chip contains a large number of pins through which essentially all communication in a computer system occurs. This communication connects the CPU to memory and I/O devices, which are themselves, at fundamental levels, advanced circuits.
The explanation of CPU processing and its interaction with other devices takes us to another level of computer processing, sometimes referred to as component architecture. Although it is still primarily focused ...
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