Software → Computer Architecture
Control Unit
The CPU component that coordinates instruction execution and directs data movement inside the processor.
Motivation
Control unit solves the problem of coordinating CPU operations for each instruction.
Where it fits
Control Unit belongs to CPU architecture.
Mental model
The control unit decodes instructions and directs the ALU, registers, memory, and datapath.
Common mistakes
- Confusing control unit with the ALU.
- Ignoring that pipelines complicate control.
Related concepts
Control Unit connects to CPU, instruction set architecture, instruction pipeline, register, and ALU.