2.1.1 - Outline the architecture of the central processing unit (CPU) and the functions of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and the control unit (CU) and the registers within the CPU. Flashcards
What is the role of a computer system in data processing?
A computer system accepts data as an input from an input device, processes it, and outputs the processed data into information in human readable form.
What is the role of the CPU in a computer system?
The CPU executes instructions of a computer program, such as arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output operations.
What does the CPU contain?
The CPU contains the Control Unit (CU), the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Memory Address Register (MAR), and the Memory Data Register (MDR).
What are the functions of the Control Unit (CU) in the CPU?
The CU handles the loading of new commands into the CPU, decodes them, controls the retrieval of instructions from primary memory, and controls the sequence of execution of instructions.
What is the function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in the CPU?
The ALU is responsible for arithmetic operations (e.g., add, subtract, multiply, divide) and logic operations (e.g., AND, OR, NOT).
What is the function of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?
The MAR is connected to the address bus and contains the RAM address of the instruction the CPU wants next. It is the only storage directly accessible by the CPU.
What is the function of the Memory Data Register (MDR)?
The MDR is connected to the data bus and holds data that will be written to the RAM or that was read from RAM. The MAR gives the address the data of the MDR will be read from or written to.
What is the role of buses in a computer system?
Buses are the connecting wires that connect the CPU to other devices, carrying instructions to/from components. They are built into the motherboard and usually contain either 32 or 64 lines.
What are the three most important buses in a computer system?
The three most important buses are the Data bus (links RAM to CPU via MDR), Control bus (links RAM to CPU via CU), and Memory bus (links RAM to CPU via MAR).
