ALU - Arithmetic Logic Unit

ALU - Arithmetic Logic Unit

The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is an internal part of the CPU (processor) which is used for most mathematical and logical operations.

The basic operations of an ALU include adding and subtracting binary values as well as performing logical operations such as AND, NOT, OR and XOR. More complex ALUs can also divide and multiply binary values.

The ALU performs integer (whole number) calculations, while the FPU (Floating Point Unit) performs calculations on floating point values.

The algorithms for performing these mathematical and logical operations are hard coded (stored permanently) within the ALU.

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