Computer Buses

There are several main types of buses, each serving different roles in computer architecture. However, most buses contain the following lines/wires inside them:

• A data line carries actual data being processed or transferred between components, enabling communication between the CPU, memory, and peripherals.
• An address line sends location addresses to identify where data should be read or written in memory.
• Control lines transmit control signals that manage the coordination of data transfer and execution commands across components.
• Additionally, some buses include power lines that deliver necessary electrical power to connected devices.

The system bus, also called the internal bus, is the one that connects crucial computer devices, including CPU, cache, and main memory. Buses that connect the CPU or RAM with I/O devices are called external buses.