ALU
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Computer Hardware
| Stands for | Arithmetic logic unit |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
ALU stands for Arithmetic logic unit, a computer hardware abbreviation.
Circuit inside a processor that performs integer arithmetic such as addition and subtraction and logical operations such as AND, OR and comparisons. A modern CPU core contains several ALUs working in parallel.
Example: Each core has four integer ALUs, so it can execute four simple additions per clock cycle.
Usage notes
John von Neumann described the ALU as a core component of his 1945 computer design, and the Texas Instruments 74181 of 1970 put a complete 4-bit ALU on one chip. ALUs handle whole numbers; fractions go to the floating-point unit. Computer-architecture students often build a simple ALU from logic gates as a classic exercise.
Related abbreviations
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