TL;DR

The Central Processing Unit is the brains of the computer, receiving all of the sensory input from computer peripherals, software, and user input, processing the provided instructions, and outputting data back to the user, computer peripherals, and software. CPU technology continues to develop with the future showing many opportunities for faster, more efficient computing technology.

Introduction to the Series

Welcome to our latest series of technology posts! Here, we will be discussing the different kinds of components found inside computers and what purpose they serve. We’ll discuss what options are often available when choosing components for your computer as well as a history of the technology and where the future is heading. We hope you enjoy the first of our posts here as we get into the details of the brains of the computer – the CPU.

What is the CPU?

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is often referred to as the brain of the computer. It is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations that drive all types of digital devices. This includes smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and industrial machines. As computing needs have evolved, so too has CPU technology. Since they were first introduced, CPU’s have become more powerful, efficient, and specialized. In this article, we will explore the role of the CPU, its evolution, the different types in use today, and what the future holds.

The Role of the CPU

At its core, the CPU processes instructions from software and coordinates the execution of tasks within a computer system. It follows a cycle known as the fetch-decode-execute process, where it retrieves instructions from memory, interprets them, and carries out the required operation. Modern CPUs feature multiple cores, allowing them to process several tasks simultaneously, which significantly boosts performance in multi-threaded applications.

A Brief History of CPU Technology

The journey of the CPU began in the 1940s with early computing machines. These relied on vacuum tubes to perform calculations. The invention of the transistor in 1947 revolutionized the computer industry by making processors smaller, more reliable, and energy-efficient. By the 1970’s, the development of the microprocessor allowed CPUs to be integrated onto a single chip. This revolution made the personal computer possible.

Some key milestones in CPU evolution include:

• 1971 – Intel introduced the first commercially available microprocessor
• 1980s to 1990s – Intel introduced the x86 architecture with the 8086 and Pentium processors, setting a new standard within the industry.
• 2000s – Multi-core processors are developed, increasing the efficiency of computers and enabling true multi-tasking capabilities.
• 2010s – Mobile computing demands lead to advancements in ARM-based processors, focusing on power efficiency and compact design.

Different Types of CPU Used Today

Personal Computers and mobile devices aren’t the only places you find CPUs today. Many are purpose-built for specific applications. Below are a few examples.

• x84 and x86-64 Processors – These are the types most recognized today as they make up the bulk of processors in the general computing space (desktops, laptops, servers). They offer high performance for general computing and gaming. The two biggest players in this space are Intel and AMD.
• ARM-based Processors – ARM processors prioritize compact designs and power efficiency. They are most commonly found in smart phones and other IoT (Internet of Things) devices. The biggest players in this space are Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek.
• RISC-V Processors – These are an open-source architecture primarily used in research and development spaces.
• Specialized Processors – IBM and Apple have both developed specialized processors designed for specific applications in the enterprise computing space.
• Hybrid Processors – Many manufacturers are starting to see the benefit of combining different types of CPU into a single platform. For example, a laptop may come equipped with both an x86-64 processer and and ARM-based processor. This allows the laptop to use the more power efficient processor to extend battery life and kick over to the more power-hungry cores when greater resources are required.

What’s in the Future?

Computers are forever evolving and getting better. Researchers are continually looking for ways to make computers smaller, faster, lighter, and more efficient. As Artificial Intelligence continues to develop, manufacturers are including dedicated accelerators in newer CPU’s to improve voice recognition and real-time analysis. Research has also gone into the development of more modular “chiplets” that can be combined together in different configurations to better provide for the individual computing needs. Finally, quantum computing – a field where many governments and research groups are now focused – is focused on developing processors that operate outside of the traditional binary (on or off) states that computers have always used.