Gourt > Computers > Hardware > Components > Processors (20)
A central processing unit (CPU), or sometimes simply processor, is the component in a digital computer that interprets instructions and processes data contained in computer programs. CPUs provide the fundamental digital computer trait of programmability, and are one of the necessary components found in computers of any era, along with primary storage and input/output facilities. A CPU that is manufactured using integrated circuits is known as a microprocessor. Since the mid-1970s, single-chip microprocessors have almost totally replaced all other types of CPUs, and today the term "CPU" is usually applied to some type of microprocessor.
The phrase "central processing unit" is, in general terms, a description of a certain class of logic machines that can execute complex computer programs. This broad definition can easily be applied to many early computers that existed long before the term "CPU" ever came into widespread usage. However, the term itself and its initialism have been in use in the computer industry at least since the early 1960s . The form, design and implementation of CPUs have changed dramatically since the earliest examples, but their fundamental operation has remained much the same.
Early CPUs were custom-designed as a part of a larger, usually one-of-a-kind, computer. However, this costly method of designing custom CPUs for a particular application has largely given way to the development of inexpensive and standardized classes of processors that are suited for one or many purposes. This standardization trend generally began in the era of discrete transistor mainframes and minicomputers and has rapidly accelerated with the popularization of the integrated circuit (IC). The IC has allowed increasingly complex CPUs to be designed and manufactured in very small spaces (on the order of millimeters). Both the miniaturization and standardization of CPUs have increased the presence of these digital devices in modern life far beyond the limited application of dedicated computing machines. Modern microprocessors appear in everything from automobiles to cell phones to children's toys.
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AmberWave Systems Corp. - Makes strained silicon, high-speed, high-transconductance devices optimized to work in digital, analog, or mixed signal systems.
Central Processing Unit - Growing entry, with links to many related topics. [Wikipedia]
Central Processing Unit - Explains how a central processing unit in a computer works, for students and teachers; text, diagrams, photographs, links.
ClearSpeed - Floating point accelerator, coprocessor and data parallel processing for HPC, scientific and embedded computer chips. Programmed easily in C language.
Computer Architecture - IBM researchers have made seminal contributions to this field. Lists some current work. [IBM Research]
Meta Description: [ IBM Research IBM Research: Computer Architecture ]
Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing - Was Synergy Microsystems, Inc. Makes VME and CompactPCI SBCs with dual or single PowerPC 750, G4, or Pentium processors; powerful quad processor, VME DSP with Linux Symmetric Multiprocessing; VxWorks Integrity.
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Great Microprocessors - Past and present v11.4.3.
IDT: Integrated Device Technology, Inc. - Silicon design company involved in MIPS technologies, and wide range of electronics.
Meta Description: [ Communications IC supplier. Products include integrated processors, IP co-processors, telecom products, FIFOs, multi-ports, clock management products, digital logic and SRAMs. IDT.com. Communications IC supplier. Products include integrated processors, IP co-processors, telecom products, FIFOs, ... ]
Improv Systems Inc. - Supplier of configurable DSPs for communications and consumer products including VoIP, wireless, media processing, DSL, MPEG4 and audio engines.
l Wireless and Microcontrollers - ICs for innovative solutions in RF, automotive and communications.
MicroDesign Resources - An information services company focused on enabling technology for personal computers and the high-performance microprocessor industry. Our work is aimed at engineers and others who need to understand and select new technologies.
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Meta Description: [ Mitsubishi Electric Semiconductor is the leading source for a well-balanced portfolio of semiconductors. ]
Powerleap Products - CPU upgrade expert with product briefs, support, discussion forums and compatibility database.
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Meta Description: [ A transparent computer processor is printed on a plate of glass, raising hopes of ultra-thin computers and televisions ]
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Meta Description: [ The Processor-Memory bottleneck : Problems and Solutions. ]
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Upgradeware Technology - Manufacturer of CPU upgrade products.
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| Slide show of weekend project. Lapped Heatsink & CPU, Painted the interior of the case, Installed couple of switches to ... | |
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