What is the full form of ALU?

ALU: Arithmetic Logic Unit

The full form of ALU is “Arithmetic Logic Unit“. It is the part of a computer that performs all arithmetic computations, such as addition, multiplication, and all comparison operations. The arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) represents the fundamental building block of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of a computer. Modern CPUs contain complex and very powerful ALUs. Modern CPUs also contain a CU (control unit) in addition to ALUs.

How an ALU Works?

The ALU performs basic arithmetic and logic operations. Examples of arithmetic operations are addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Examples of logic operations are comparison of values such as NOT, AND, and OR. Typically, an ALU has direct input and output access to the processor controller, main memory (RAM in a PC), and input/output devices. Inputs and outputs flow along an electronic path called a bus.

All information in a computer is stored and manipulated as binary numbers, i.e. 0 and 1. Transistor switches are used to manipulate binary numbers because a switch has only two possible states: open or closed. . An open transistor, with no current through it, represents a 0. A closed transistor, through which a current flows, represents a 1.

Other ALU Full Forms