Which unit is used to control the fetch-decode-execute cycle and data flow inside the CPU?

• A. Arithmetic Logic Unit
• B. Cache
• C. Control Unit
• D. Memory Address Register

Answer: (C)

Coordinating the fetch-decode-execute cycle and directing data flow inside the CPU is the job of the Control Unit. It orchestrates pulling an instruction from memory, decoding it to understand the required operation, and generating the precise control signals that move data between registers, the Arithmetic Logic Unit, and memory so each step happens in the correct order and timing. The control unit itself doesn’t perform arithmetic or logic; it directs those operations by telling other parts of the CPU what to do. The Arithmetic Logic Unit handles computations, the Cache speeds access to recently used data, and the Memory Address Register holds addresses for memory operations. Because only the Control Unit manages the sequencing and signaling for the entire instruction cycle, it is the correct choice.