CPU

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Central Processing Unit

The central processing unit. aka: the microprocessor is  the 'brain' of the computer, can interpret, decode and execute instructions.  Mainframes and early minicomputers contained circuit boards full of integrated circuits that implemented the central processing unit.  Single-chip central processing units, called microprocessors, made possible personal computers and workstations.

02copper.gif (4081 bytes)This diagram to the right shows what they use to make CPUs.  They use layers of different substances.