1.1.1 Architecture - Main parts of a CPU Flashcards
Where does the CPU fetch instructions from?
The CPU fetches instructions from main memory (RAM).
What is the purpose of the CPU?
The purpose of the CPU is to process data.
What are some component parts of the computer that the CPU controls?
Hard Disk
DVD Drive
Sound System
Graphics System
What are the 3 major parts that make up the CPU?
The Control Unit
The ALU
The Registers
What are the three buses that carry information between the parts of the CPU called?
The Data Bus
The Address Bus
The Control Bus
What does the ALU do?
The ALU performs arithmetic operation - standard arithmetic operations and logic operations - comparisons such as ‘is this value greater than this value?’
Where is the result of the ALU’s logic operation or arithmetic operation stored?
The result is able to be stored anywhere, but for efficient programming it is most often stored in the accumulator.
What flags can be stored along with the result of the ALU’s operation?
Status flags which include: Zero Carry Negative Overflow
What is a register and what do they do?
A register is a type of fast memory inside the CPU that can hold a data value.
They are used to hold temporary data while a software program is running.
What registers does an 8 bit CPU have?
A 8 bit CPU has 8 bit registers, 16 bit has 16, etc.
Which two registers move data and instructions to and from main memory?
The MDR and MAR are used to move instructions and data to and from main memory.
What does the Instruction Register contain?
The IR contains the next instruction to be run.
