What does the address bus not send?

The address bus plays a critical role in computer architecture by specifying the location in memory where data is to be read from or written to. Its primary function is to carry addresses from the CPU to other components, such as RAM, to access stored data effectively.

The address bus does not send the actual data itself; instead, it transmits information about where that data is located. When the CPU needs to access or manipulate data, it uses the address bus to indicate the specific memory address to refer to. The data associated with that address is then transferred through separate data buses, distinct from the address bus.

This distinction is essential in understanding how computer systems are organized. Control signals, which govern the operation of the CPU and other components, and instruction data, which form part of the commands the CPU executes, are also not the responsibility of the address bus. However, the address bus will indicate where to find those instructions and control signals.