What is the primary function of a control unit in a CPU?

The primary function of a control unit in a CPU is to decode and execute instructions. The control unit orchestrates the operations of the CPU by directing the flow of data between the processor, memory, and input/output devices. It interprets the instructions coming from programs stored in memory and translates them into signals that control the other components of the CPU, including the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and registers.

This function is critical for the overall operation of the computer system, as it ensures that the various system components work harmoniously to execute tasks. By managing the sequence in which instructions are processed, the control unit effectively guides the CPU in executing programs and managing processes. With this understanding, it's clear that the decoding and execution of instructions is essential for the CPU to perform any computational task.