Catapult

The RISC-V CPU

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is a piece of general-purpose hardware that can be triggered by software to enable the execution of a program on a computer or smart device.  The software program is divided into instructions that are stored in the computer’s memory. The CPU fetches these instructions and decodes them into a series of micro-operations that are then executed by the CPU hardware.

Each CPU’s architecture is unique, but they all have one or more cores that process the instruction cycle and a core complex that houses supporting control, power management, chip-to-chip communication, and memory units.

When a program runs, its instructions are loaded into memory, and the CPU pulls them one by one from memory. The core decodes each instruction, decides the operation to be done, executes the operation, and then stores or communicates the result to external memory.

This process is repeated until all the program’s instructions have been performed, at which point the program terminates. CPUs with more cores or more efficient instruction cycles can execute more instructions per second, improving performance.

CPUs and GPUs are both types of processors that perform calculations in a computer, but they are optimised for different types of tasks.

A CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is a general-purpose processor that is responsible for executing most of the instructions that make up a computer program. It is optimised for performing a wide range of tasks, including running operating systems, executing software applications, and performing basic arithmetic and logic operations. CPUs can have one or more cores that are used for sequential processing which is good for programs where the results of a previous instruction feed into subsequent instructions.

A GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit, is a specialised processor that is optimised for handling large numbers of independent calculations in parallel and simultaneously.  Their cores are well-suited for tasks such as rendering 3D graphics, video encoding, and machine learning.

In terms of performance, GPUs are generally faster than CPUs for tasks that require parallel processing, such as rendering 3D graphics or certain artificial intelligence programs. However, CPUs are generally better suited for tasks that require sequential processing, such as running software applications or performing basic arithmetic and logic operations.

CPUs are used in a wide range of products and applications, such as:

• Desktop and laptop computers: Modern computers include a CPU, which is responsible for executing most of the instructions that make up a computer program.
• Mobile devices: Modern smartphones and tablets include a CPU, which is responsible for executing the instructions required to run mobile applications and perform other tasks.
• Gaming consoles: Gaming consoles, such as the Xbox and PlayStation, include specialised CPUs designed to deliver high-performance gaming experiences.
• Home appliances: Many home appliances, such as smart TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines, include CPUs to power their functionality.
• Automotive: Modern automobiles include CPUs to power infotainment systems, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and other features. Also CPUs are key to the engine management, electronic vehicle management functionality.