3.1 - Computer Architecture Flashcards
What is the role of a CPU in a computer? [2]
- it executes or processes instructions and
data in a computer application
What is meant by a microprocessor? [1]
- a type of integrated circuit on a single chip
What is a processor? [2]
- a component/ unit that processes instructions and data that are input into the computer
- so that the results can be output
What are fixed program computers? [2]
- very specific function
- they can’t be reprogrammed
What are stored program computers? [2]
- these can be programmed to carry out many different tasks
- applications are stored on them
What are the characteristics of Von Neumann Architecture? [5]
- must have a processor
- processor must talk directly to the RAM
- RAM contains stored program
- stored program comprises of instructions and data
- each instruction is executed line by line
What are the 3 main components of a CPU? [3]
- control unit
- memory unit
- arithmetic and logical unit
What is the control unit? [2]
- directs flow between CPU and other devices
- sends control signals to synchronize the execution of instruction and movement of data
What is the Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU)? [2]
- carries out arithmetic functions like +-/x
- carries out logical operations like AND/OR/XOR of binary numbers
What is the memory unit? [2]
- consists of registers that are small memory units
- used for storing intermediate results
What are the different registers that are in a CPU? [5]
- program counter
- accumulator
- memory address register
- memory data register
- current instruction register
How is the movement of instructions and data done? [1]
by using system buses
What is the Address Bus and its direction? [2]
- carries memory address from CPU to RAM
- unidirectional
What is the Data Bus and its direction? [2]
- carries data/instructions from RAM to CPU and CPU to RAM
- bidirectional
What is the Control Bus and its direction? [3]
- sends control and timing signals to other components
- also receives signal from them
- bidirectional
What does the CIR do? [1]
- stores the current instruction being decoded and executed
What does the MAR do? [1]
- stores the address of the memory location currently being read to or written to
What does the ACC do? [1]
- stores the data of the calculations of the ALU temporarily
What does the MDR do? [1]
- stores data that is being transferred to or from the memory
What does the PC do? [1]
- stores the address of where the next instruction can be found
What is Fetch? [1]
loading from the RAM
What is Decode? [1]
converting into CPU language
What is Execute? [1]
running the instruction
What are factors that affect the performance of the CPU? [4]
- clock cycle
- width of the buses
- cache memory
- CPU cores
What is an embedded system? [2]
comination of hardware and software which is designed to carry out a specific set of functions.
What are advantages of embedded systems? [2]
- small in size, so easy to fit into devices
- consumes very little power
What are disadvantages of embedded systems? [2]
- any device that can be accessed over the internet is open to hackers
- troubleshooting faults in the device become a specialist task
Where are embedded systems used? [3]
- vending machines
- security systems
- cars
