Computer hardware realization The five primary components of a computer (processor control unit, processor datapath, memory, input, and output) are realized in hardware and connected together (packaged) in many different ways. In this section, we explore some ways that each component is realized and how it is packaged.
Building hardware to function as each type of component of a computer takes several forms. We explore a few common forms here.
Processors!realizing A processor is a functional unit that is realized as an integrated circuit (IC)Integrated circuits: a collection of circuits built on a single piece of semiconductor material, most frequently silicon. An IC is sometimes called a "chip," and not every IC is a processor. A chip is a processor only if it functions as one.
ICs are manufactured to …
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