Main Difference

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.

Comparison Chart

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.

ALU vs. 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.
• ALU process the data provided as input and gives the processed information conclusion as output. It works according to the instructions provided by CU.
• CU controls and monitors the data flow on the data buses between the hardware components of the computer system.

Comparison Video