What is CMOS in computer?

In computing, CMOS refers to Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor. This is a form of semiconductor technology utilised in the fabrication of integrated circuits, which encompass microprocessors, microcontrollers, and memory chips.

Key Points

• The main purpose of CMOS in computers is to preserve critical system parameters, such as the date, time, boot sequence, and hardware settings, even when the device is powered off.

• This function is enabled by a small battery-powered chip (the CMOS battery) located on the motherboard.

• CMOS is a manufacturing technique that employs both N-type and P-type MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) to produce logic gates.

• This configuration leads to minimal power usage and excellent resistance to noise, making it well-suited for a range of electronic gadgets.

• The CMOS chip acts as non-volatile memory, which means it keeps its information intact even when not receiving power.

• It is energised by a small battery (the CMOS battery) and saves critical system information.

• These parameters are vital for the computer to boot successfully and operate effectively.

• The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) relies on the data stored in the CMOS to figure out how to activate the hardware and launch the operating system.

• Additionally, the CMOS chip features a real-time clock that monitors the date and time, even when the computer is turned off.

• The CMOS battery is a tiny coin-cell battery that supplies power to the CMOS chip when the main power is disconnected.