Computer Architecture and FDE cycle Flashcards

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1
Q

In terms of processor performance, what is Speed/Throughput?

A

The amount of processes completed per second and amount of concurrent processes.

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2
Q

In terms of processor performance, what is Scalability?

A

How well the processor copes with larger amounts of memory.

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3
Q

In terms of processor performance, what is Response Time?

A

Time taken to complete one task.

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4
Q

In terms of processor performance, what is Power Efficiency?

A

Efficiency of the power consumption.

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5
Q

What are some of the factors affecting CPU performance?

A

Clock Speed, Word Length, Bus Width, Cores, Cache Memory.

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6
Q

Give some Advantages and Disadvantages of Von Neumann Architecture.

A

Uses one set of buses so:

Less efficient and slower.

But,

Physically smaller with less actual hardware.

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7
Q

Give some Advantages and Disadvantages of Harvard Architecture.

A

Uses two sets of buses so:

Faster and More Efficient.
Avoids bottlenecks with a parallel system.
Data can have different word lengths, avoids some exploits from hackers.

But,

More Expensive.
Harder to code.
Physically Larger.

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8
Q

Where is Von Neumann Architecture used?

A

In RAM/ROM.

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9
Q

Where is Harvard Architecture used?

A

In caches, embedded systems and DSP systems.

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10
Q

What is RAM?

A

Random access memory, volatile.

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11
Q

What is ROM?

A

Read only memory, non-volatile.

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12
Q

Describe the Control Bus.

A

Bidirectional, sends control signals to the other buses and registers.

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13
Q

Describe the Data Bus.

A

Bidirectional, transfers data, the width determines how many wires are present, determining the amount of data that can be transferred in parallel.

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14
Q

Describe the Address Bus.

A

Unidirectional, passing an address from CPU to RAM, using unique addresses.

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15
Q

Describe the purpose of the I/O Controller.

A

Connects buses and I/O devices to provide the correct amounts of current and voltage.

Allows new devices to be added without redesigning the controller.

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16
Q

Describe the FDE Cycle.

A
  1. The PC register displays the address in RAM of the next instruction to be processed. This value is copied
    into the MAR.
  2. The PC register is increased by 1, this prepares the CPU for the next instruction to be fetched.
  3. The CPU checks the address in RAM which matches the address held in the MAR.
  4. The instruction in RAM is transferred to the MDR.
  5. The instruction in the MDR is copied into the CIR.
  6. The instruction in the CIR is decoded and executed results of executions are stored in the ACC register.
  7. The cycle repeats by returning to the first step and checking the program counter for the address of the
    next instruction.
17
Q

What is the Program Counter (PC) ?

A

A register that tracks the RAM address of the next instruction to be fetched.

18
Q

What is the Memory Address Register (MAR)?

A

A register that tracks the RAM address of data that is currently being accessed.

19
Q

What is the Memory Data Register (MDR)?

A

A register that stores the data that is transferred from the RAM to the CPU.

20
Q

What is the Current Instruction Register (CIR)?

A

A register that stores the instruction that has been fetched from the RAM, and is about to be decoded or executed.

21
Q

What is the Accumulator (ACC)?

A

The ACC stores the result of executions performed in the FDE cycle.

22
Q

What is the purpose of the Address Bus?

A

Sends a memory address of where data is stored.​​ The address is sent from the CPU to RAM in the FDE cycle.

23
Q

What is the purpose of the Data Bus?

A

Transfers data between components.

24
Q

What is the purpose of the Control Bus?

A

Sends control signals from the control unit to other components. Status signals are sent back to the CPU.

25
Q

Define Computer Architecture.

A

The way a computer is designed and internally organised.