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Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
The ALU is the centerpiece or core of the CPU architecture, where the binary calculations occur. It comprises logic gates that execute the instructions passed from memory and where the data stored by the registers is acted upon.
It can execute arithmetic and logical operations on binary numbers. This is where you will find operations conducted by full-adders and half adders etc.
This is the heart of the CPU; all the other components on the CPU chip are appendanges to the execution that occures within the ALU. It is also what is meant by the core processor that is referred to in hardware specs of computers, for instance dual-core, quad core etc.
Below is a schematic of a series of logical circuits within the CPU core:
