MOBILE CPU (Central Processing Unit) – definition in Bangladesh?
A CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is an electronic circuit responsible for executing computer programs. Over time, CPUs have become smaller and more standardized, expanding their presence beyond dedicated computing machines. Nowadays, modern microprocessors can be found in a wide range of devices, from cars to smartphones.
When it comes to performance, the clock rate is a significant characteristic of a CPU. It represents the fundamental frequency at which the clock in a synchronous circuit cycles per second, measured in hertz, kilohertz, megahertz, or gigahertz. In modern non-embedded microprocessors, a single clock cycle is typically shorter than a nanosecond and switches between logical zero and logical one states.
In theory, replacing the crystal of a CPU with another crystal oscillating at twice the frequency would double its performance. However, this change would also result in approximately twice the amount of waste heat generated by the CPU.
Engineers strive to push the limits of current CPU architectures, constantly seeking new ways to design CPUs that offer higher clock rates or greater energy efficiency per clock. These advancements lead to the development of cooler CPUs capable of running at higher speeds.
Furthermore, scientists explore novel designs that enable CPUs to achieve the same or even better performance while operating at the same or lower clock rates compared to older CPUs. This focus is on increasing the number of instructions completed per clock cycle.
It’s important to note that the clock rate of a processor is only useful for comparing computer chips within the same processor family and generation. Comparing clock rates between different computers or processor families can be misleading since the amount of work different chips can perform in one cycle varies. To accurately assess comparative performance, it is advisable to utilize software benchmarks rather than relying solely on clock rates.
Smartphones employ advanced embedded chipsets capable of performing various tasks based on their programming. The performance of the CPU at the core of the chipset significantly impacts the user experience and overall computing performance of the smartphone. Although many people tend to compare the clock rates of main CPUs to assess the performance of competing products, it’s crucial to recognize that clock rate comparisons are only meaningful within the same processor family and generation. For other purposes, such as determining comparative performance, it is best to employ software benchmarks.