Difference Wiki

ALU vs. CU

ALU and CU both are the two basic components of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) in a computer system. ALU stands for the Arithmetic Logical Unit whereas CU stands for the Control Unit. ALU circuit of the CPU deal with all the logical and mathematical operations that are performed by CPU. It is responsible for answering the questions and providing the output result of the input queries. Control Unit (CU) is the part of the CPU that is dedicated to deal with the controlling purpose. It coordinates with all the hardware components of the computer system and helps them interacting with the Software system. CU assigns the tasks and monitor the data and information movement inside a computer system between its components.

Key Differences

CU controls and monitors the data flow on the data buses between the hardware components of the computer system.
ALU process the data provided as input and gives the processed information conclusion as output. It works according to the instructions provided by CU.
ALU is the circuit component of the CPU that deals with the mathematical and logical operations.
CU is the circuit component of the CPU that instructs and directs the ALU and other computer components.

Comparison Chart

.

ALU (Arithmetic Logical Unit) is a circuit component of CPU that deals with the mathematical calculations, data processing and deducting all the logical conclusions and outputs.
CU (Control Unit) is one of the two main components of the CPU. It deals with the coordination between the hardware devices attached with each either, works as an interactive bridge between software and hardware of the computer system.

Functions

ALU deals with all the mathematical and logical operations. More than one ALUs can be used for more powerful calculations. The ALU processes the data provided to the CPU as input, and it provides the information as the conclusion of the input in the form of output.
CU deals with the direction of all the tasks and operations performed by CPU. It coordinates and monitor the functionality of components and track the flow of data between the hardware components and the software.
ADVERTISEMENT

Impact on Each -other

ALU deals with the manipulation of the data and works according to the instructions provided by CU.
CU provides the instructions to ALU and coordinates according to the nature of data provided and nature of work to be performed.

ALU and CU Definitions

Cu

The chemical symbol for copper.

Cu

A ductile malleable reddish-brown corrosion-resistant diamagnetic metallic element; occurs in various minerals but is the only metal that occurs abundantly in large masses; used as an electrical and thermal conductor

What is ALU?

ALU stands for the Arithmetic Logical Unit. It is the main functional component of the CPU that is responsible for conducting all the mathematical calculations and logical operations. The data given as input to the computers is manipulated and processed by ALU on the basic of instructions and directions provided by CU. ALU is responsible for all the mathematical calculations and logical answers. All the queries or data inserted as input to the system are provided to ALU, which provide the processed conclusions as output. The arithmetic operation includes the basic four mathematical operations addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The logical operations are the one in which there is a comparison between different things by various traits such as equal to, greater than, other than, less than, etc.

What is CU?

CU stands for the Control Unit. It is one of the two basic component of a CPU in a computer system. Control Unit works as a traffic warden as it monitors and controls the data traffic and flow between the hardware components of the computer system such as peripheral devices etc. It provides the instructions to ALU and the rest components that how a task is to be done. CU is responsible for coordinating between the software system and hardware components and get them attached to working as a bridge. It assigns the tasks to the interior hardware components and gets them done within the proper domain of time along with efficiency and effectiveness. The main dealing of CU is with the data traffic and buses. It keenly monitors and controls the data traffic and maintains the flow of data via data buses into and out from the hardware components. It is also referred as the “brain within the brain” or “brain of CPU” as it instructs the software system, hardware components and other CPU circuits (ALU) what is to be done and how is to done. It instructs and directs according to the type of data, nature of work and demand for the output by the user.

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons