Task. Read and translate the text. Make a plan and title the text.

It is known that one of the fundamental parts of the com­puter is a control unit. This unit controls the computation pro­cess automatically, without man's participation. It sends signals to all other parts of the computer to specify what they must do. First of all, the control unit tells the main memory what data must be transferred to the arithmetic-logical unit and other de­vices. Then it enables the arithmetic-logical unit to perform the required operation. Finally, it places the obtained results in the main memory.

It is important to note that the control unit operation is de­termined by an algorithm of a problem solution. The algorithm is a sequence of arithmetic and logical operations. These oper­ations must be performed on the initial data for solving the prob­lem.

Description of an algorithm in a form acceptable by a com­puter is called a program. A program is a list of sequential com­puter instructions enabling a computer to solve a problem. In order to be acceptable by the computer instructions must be encoded into a digital form.

In conclusion it should be pointed out that the main feature of a computer is automatic control of the problem solution pro­cess. It is based on the programmed-control principle.

 

Text 4.

Task. Read, translate and title the texts.

1. In 1960's advances in microelectronic components led to the development of the minicomputer, followed more recently by an even smaller microcomputer. Both have filled a need for small but relatively flexible processing systems able to execute comparatively simple computing functions at lower costs.

In 1971 Intel Corporation delivered the first microproces­sor, the 4004. All the logic to implement the central processing unit of a tiny computer was put onto a single silicon chip less than 1/4 inch square. That design was soon followed by many others. The progress toward smaller computers is continuing, designers are working at nano-computers and pico-computers.

When the central processing unit of a computer is imple­mented in a single, or very small number of integrated circuits, we call it a microprocessor. When a computer includes a mi­croprocessor as its major component, such device is called a microcomputer.

Today the hardware in data-processing machines is built out of microelectronic devices. Advances in microelectronic devices give rise to advances in data-processing machinery.

2. The computer has made it possible to mechanize much of the information interchange and processing that constitute the nervous system of our society.

The versatility and convenience of the microprocessor has changed the entire architecture of modern computer systems. No longer is the processing of information carried out only in the computer's central processing unit. Today there is a trend toward distributing more processing capability throughout a computer system, with various areas having small local proces­sors for handling operations in those areas.

There are a number of advantages of distributed processing. First, since many elements of the computer can be working on different portions of the same task, the work may be done faster. Second, if one element in the network malfunctions, its workload can be shifted to another element or shared among several elements, so that the entire work is relatively immune to failure. Third, the network can be small enough to be con­tained within a single laboratory or building, or it can be spread out over a wide area.

Tests.

Test 1.

1. Programs and data to be processed must be in the___ memory.

a) internal; b) external; c) secondary.

2. The control unit______ instructions from the program.

a) sends; b) changes; c) obtains.

3. The results of arithmetic operations are returned to the … for transferring to main storage.

a) decoder; b) counter; c) accumulator.

4. The instruction to be______ in control unit is read out from primary storage into the storage register.

a) calculated; b) executed; c) read out.

5. The______ performs logical comparisons of the contents of the storage register and the.

a) adder; b) accumulator; c) comparer.

6. The read out command is passed from the_ regis­ter to the_____________ register.

a) instruction; b) address; c) storage.

7. CPU is designed to and to_______________ basic instruc­tions for the computer.

a) control; b) consist; c) carry out.

8. CU and ALU consist of electronic circuits with millions of ….

a) sensors; b) servers; c) switches.

 

 

Test 2.

 

1. CPU a) performs the processing operations;

2. CU b) carries out logical comparisons of storage;

3. ALU с) executes basic arithmetic functions;

4. accumulator d) coordinates the operation of the whole system;

5. clock e) selects data from memory;

6. counter f) produces electronic marks at regular intervals;

7. register g) controls the flow between the primary storage and the arithmetic-logical unit;

8. decoder h) keeps the instruction while it is being performed;

9. comparer i) holds the results of processing operations;

10. adder j) breaks the instructions into separate commands.

 

 

Unit IX.

Input - output units.

Text 1.

Input – output environment.