Component

/kənˈtroʊl ˈjuːnɪt/

noun … “CPU component that directs operations.”

Control Unit is a central part of a CPU or microprocessor responsible for managing and coordinating the execution of instructions. It interprets instructions from memory, generates control signals, and orchestrates the operation of the ALU, Registers, and other components to ensure correct timing and sequencing.

Key characteristics of Control Unit include:

• Instruction decoding: determines what action each instruction requires.
• Signal generation: issues control signals to other CPU components.
• Timing coordination: synchronizes operations using the system clock.
• Execution flow management: handles sequencing, branching, and program counters.
• Interaction with memory and I/O: manages data transfer between CPU and peripherals.

Applications of Control Unit include executing program instructions, managing arithmetic and logic operations, controlling data paths, and coordinating input/output processes.

Workflow example: Fetch-decode-execute cycle:

instruction = memory.fetch(pc)
decoded = control_unit.decode(instruction)
control_signals = control_unit.generate(decoded)
ALU.execute(control_signals, operands)

Here, the control unit interprets instructions, issues the proper signals, and ensures the ALU and registers perform the correct operations.

Conceptually, a Control Unit is like the conductor of an orchestra: it ensures that each component performs its role at the correct time, producing correct and harmonious system behavior.

See CPU, ALU, Register, Control Logic, Microprocessor.

/ˈɛnərdʒi ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/

noun … “Capturing energy for later use.”

Energy Storage refers to the methods and systems used to capture energy produced at one time and release it when needed, ensuring a steady supply despite variable demand or intermittent generation. Energy can be stored in electrical, chemical, mechanical, or thermal forms, and energy storage is critical for balancing supply and demand in power grids, renewable energy systems, and portable devices.

Key characteristics of Energy Storage include:

• Forms: chemical (batteries, fuel cells), mechanical (flywheels, compressed air), electrical (capacitors, supercapacitors), thermal (molten salts, phase-change materials).
• Capacity: total energy that can be stored, measured in joules (J) or kilowatt-hours (kWh).
• Power rating: rate at which stored energy can be delivered.
• Efficiency: ratio of energy output to input, accounting for losses.
• Applications: grid stabilization, renewable energy integration, electric vehicles, portable electronics, and backup power systems.

Workflow example: Charging a battery:

battery = Battery(capacity=100)   -- 100 Wh
power_source = 50                     -- watts
time_hours = battery.capacity / power_source
battery.charge(time_hours)

Here, energy is stored chemically in the battery and can be discharged later to power devices.

Conceptually, Energy Storage is like a reservoir: it holds energy until it is needed and releases it in controlled amounts to maintain system operation.

See Battery, Capacitor, Power, Electricity, Energy.

/kənˈtroʊl ˈlɑːdʒɪk/

noun … “Circuitry that directs operations in digital systems.”

Control Logic is the part of a CPU or digital system responsible for orchestrating the flow of data, managing instruction execution, and coordinating the operation of various components such as the ALU, Registers, and memory. It interprets instructions, generates timing signals, and ensures that each part of the system performs the correct operation at the right time.

Key characteristics of Control Logic include:

• Instruction decoding: determines the operation to perform based on the instruction set.
• Signal generation: produces control signals for registers, ALU, memory, and I/O devices.
• Timing management: synchronizes operations using clock signals.
• Sequential or combinational design: can involve both logic types to manage system states.
• Critical for CPU operation: ensures correct execution order and prevents conflicts.

Applications of Control Logic include managing instruction cycles in processors, controlling data paths in digital circuits, implementing finite-state machines, and coordinating peripheral devices.

Workflow example: Executing an ADD instruction:

instruction = fetch(pc)
decoded = control_logic.decode(instruction)
control_signals = control_logic.generate(decoded)
ALU.execute(control_signals, operands)

Here, the control logic interprets the instruction, issues control signals, and coordinates the ALU and registers to perform the operation.

Conceptually, Control Logic is like a conductor in an orchestra: it ensures that every component plays its part at the right time to produce correct and harmonious operation.

See CPU, ALU, Register, Sequential Circuit, Finite-State Machine.

/ˈrɛdʒɪstər/

noun … “Small, fast storage inside a CPU.”

Register is a tiny, high-speed storage location within a CPU or microprocessor used to hold data, instructions, or addresses temporarily during processing. Registers allow the CPU to access and manipulate information much faster than using main memory, making them essential for instruction execution, arithmetic operations, and control flow.

Key characteristics of Register include:

• Speed: extremely fast compared to RAM or cache.
• Size: typically small, storing a few bytes or words, depending on CPU architecture.
• Types: general-purpose, special-purpose (e.g., program counter, stack pointer), and status registers.
• Temporary storage: holds operands, results, and addresses for immediate processing.
• Integral to instruction execution: works closely with the ALU and control unit.

Applications of Register include storing intermediate computation results, tracking program execution, passing parameters, and addressing memory locations efficiently.

Workflow example: Adding two values using registers:

R1 = 5
R2 = 7
R3 = ALU.add(R1, R2)
print(R3)   -- 12

Here, the registers temporarily hold operands and store the result for further processing.

Conceptually, a Register is like a notepad on a worker’s desk: small, fast, and convenient for holding information that is actively being used.

See CPU, ALU, Memory, Microprocessor, Cache.

/ˌeɪ ɛl ˈjuː/

noun … “Circuit that performs arithmetic and logic operations.”

ALU, short for Arithmetic Logic Unit, is a fundamental component of a CPU or microprocessor that executes mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and logical operations (AND, OR, NOT, XOR). The ALU processes binary data from registers or memory and outputs the result to registers, memory, or other parts of the system.

Key characteristics of ALU include:

• Arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.
• Logical operations: AND, OR, NOT, XOR, comparison operations.
• Bitwise operations: shift left, shift right, rotate.
• Integration: works with control unit, registers, and memory to execute instructions.
• Width: defined by the number of bits it can process simultaneously (e.g., 8-bit, 32-bit, 64-bit).

Applications of ALU include executing CPU instructions, performing calculations in microcontrollers, signal processing, and computer graphics operations.

Workflow example: Adding two binary numbers:

operand1 = 0b1010   -- 10
operand2 = 0b0111   -- 7
result = ALU.add(operand1, operand2)
print(result)       -- 0b10001 (17)

Here, the ALU adds two binary operands and outputs the sum.

Conceptually, an ALU is like the brain’s calculator: it takes inputs, performs defined operations, and delivers precise results to the system.

See CPU, Microprocessor, Registers, Control Unit, Binary.

/ɪnˈdʌktər/

noun … “Component that stores energy in a magnetic field.”

Inductor is a passive electronic component that resists changes in current by storing energy in a magnetic field created around a coil of wire. Inductors are widely used in filtering, energy storage, tuning circuits, and electromagnetic interference suppression. They work in tandem with capacitors and resistors to form fundamental building blocks of analog circuits.

Key characteristics of Inductor include:

• Inductance: measured in henries (H), representing the ability to store magnetic energy per unit current.
• Current response: opposes changes in current according to V = L × (dI/dt).
• Core material: air, ferrite, or iron cores influence efficiency and magnetic properties.
• Applications: filters, transformers, chokes, energy storage in switching regulators, and oscillators.
• Series and parallel behavior: determines total inductance in circuits.

Workflow example: Current change in an inductor:

inductor = Inductor(L=0.01)   -- 10 mH
di_dt = 5                     -- rate of current change in A/s
voltage = inductor.L * di_dt
print(voltage)                 -- 0.05 V

Here, the inductor generates a voltage opposing the change in current, stabilizing the circuit.

Conceptually, an Inductor is like a flywheel for electric current: it resists sudden changes and smooths out fluctuations.

See Capacitor, Resistor, Signal Processing, AC, Power Supply.

/ˈbætəri/

noun … “Device that stores chemical energy and provides electrical power.”

Battery is a portable energy source that converts stored chemical energy into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. Batteries provide direct current (DC) electricity, powering devices ranging from small electronics like smartphones and watches to large systems like electric vehicles and backup power grids. They consist of one or more electrochemical cells, each containing electrodes (anode and cathode) and an electrolyte that facilitates ion flow.

Key characteristics of Battery include:

• Voltage: electrical potential difference across its terminals.
• Capacity: measured in ampere-hours (Ah), representing how much charge it can store.
• Energy density: amount of energy stored per unit weight or volume.
• Rechargeability: primary (non-rechargeable) vs. secondary (rechargeable) batteries.
• Internal resistance: affects efficiency and power delivery.

Common types of Battery include alkaline, lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), and solid-state batteries. Batteries are used in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, medical devices, and backup power systems.

Workflow example: Supplying power to a circuit:

battery_voltage = 9
circuit.connect(battery_voltage)
device.power(circuit.output)

Here, the battery provides DC voltage to power the device through the connected circuit.

Conceptually, a Battery is like a water tank storing energy: it holds potential energy and releases it when needed to keep the system running.

See DC, Power Supply, Energy Storage, Voltage, Current.

/ˈflɪp flɑːp/

noun … “Basic memory element in digital circuits.”

Flip-Flop is a bistable sequential circuit that can store one bit of binary information, holding a state of 0 or 1 until it is changed by a control signal. Flip-flops are the building blocks of digital memory, registers, counters, and finite state machines (FSMs), providing the essential ability to store and remember information in digital systems.

Key characteristics of Flip-Flop include:

• Bistable operation: maintains either a high (1) or low (0) state indefinitely until triggered.
• Clocked or triggered: changes state based on input signals and/or clock edges.
• Types: SR (Set-Reset), D (Data), JK, and T (Toggle) flip-flops, each with different input behavior.
• Applications: memory storage, counters, shift registers, synchronization, and state machines.
• Edge sensitivity: many flip-flops change state on the rising or falling edge of a clock signal.

Workflow example: D flip-flop storing a bit:

d_input = 1
clk_edge = detect_rising_edge(clock)
if clk_edge:
    q_output = d_input   -- store input at clock edge

Here, the flip-flop captures the value of d_input at the clock edge and maintains it until the next trigger.

Conceptually, a Flip-Flop is like a light switch with memory: once set, it stays in the on or off position until someone flips it again.

See Sequential Circuit, Registers, Finite State Machine, Clock Signal, Digital.

/ˌmaɪkroʊˈprɑːsɛsər/

noun … “Central processing unit on a single integrated circuit.”

Microprocessor is a compact electronic chip that contains the core computational components of a computer or embedded system, including the central processing unit, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), control unit, and registers. Microprocessors execute instructions stored in memory, perform arithmetic and logical operations, and control data flow between peripherals, making them the heart of modern computing devices.

Key characteristics of Microprocessor include:

• Instruction execution: processes binary instructions according to its instruction set architecture (ISA).
• Registers: temporary storage for immediate data and control information.
• ALU: performs arithmetic and logical operations.
• Clocked operation: synchronized by a clock signal to perform sequential operations.
• Integration: often includes cache memory and bus interfaces on the same chip.

Applications of Microprocessor include personal computers, servers, smartphones, embedded controllers, robotics, and industrial automation systems. Microprocessors serve as the central control and computation unit in virtually all digital devices.

Workflow example: Simple instruction execution:

instruction = memory.fetch(pc)
decoded = microprocessor.decode(instruction)
result = microprocessor.execute(decoded)
pc = pc + 1

Here, the microprocessor fetches, decodes, and executes instructions sequentially, updating its program counter for the next operation.

Conceptually, a Microprocessor is like a tiny brain on a chip: it receives information, decides what to do, performs calculations, and sends commands to the rest of the system.

See CPU, Integrated Circuit, Microcontroller, ALU, Registers.

/kəˈpæsɪtər/

noun … “Component that stores and releases electrical energy.”

Capacitor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in an electric field between two conductive plates separated by a dielectric material. Capacitors are widely used in electronic circuits for energy storage, filtering, signal coupling, timing, and voltage regulation. They can respond rapidly to changes in voltage, making them essential for stabilizing power supplies and shaping signals.

Key characteristics of Capacitor include:

• Capacitance: measured in farads (F), indicates how much charge the capacitor can store.
• Voltage rating: maximum voltage the capacitor can safely handle.
• Dielectric type: determines performance characteristics (ceramic, electrolytic, film, tantalum, etc.).
• Equivalent series resistance (ESR): affects efficiency and frequency response.
• Polarity: some capacitors are polarized (electrolytic), while others are non-polarized (ceramic, film).

Common applications of Capacitor include filtering ripple in power supplies, coupling AC signals between stages of amplifiers, timing circuits in oscillators, and energy storage in camera flashes or pulse circuits.

Workflow example: Smoothing a DC voltage:

dc_input = rectifier.convert(ac_input)
capacitor.connect(dc_input)
dc_smoothed = capacitor.charge_discharge(dc_input)

Here, the capacitor charges when voltage rises and discharges when it drops, reducing fluctuations and providing a more stable DC voltage.

Conceptually, a Capacitor is like a water reservoir: it stores water when supply is high and releases it when demand increases, keeping flow steady.

See Resistor, Inductor, Power Supply, Signal Processing, AC.