4 Processor Fundamentals Flashcards
von Neumann architecture
Computer architecture which introduced the concept of the stored program in the 1940s
Arithmetic logic unit
Component in the processor which carries out all arithmetic and logical operations
Control unit
The CU reads an instruction from memory ( the address of the location where the instruction can be found) and generates control signals to ensure synchronisation of data flow and program instruction
System clock
Produces timing signals on the control bus to ensure synchronisation takes place
Immediate access store
Holds all data and programmes needed to be accessed buy the control unit
accumulator
Temporary general purpose register which stores numerical values at any part of a given operation
Status register
Used when an instruction requires some form of arithmetic or logic processing
Flag
Indicates the status of a bit in the status register
Address bus
Carries memory addresses through the computer system
Data bus
Allows data to be carried from processor to memory to and from input/output devices
Control bus
Carries signals from control unit to all other computer components
Unidirectional
Describes a bus which can move bits in one direction only
Bidirectional
Describes a bus which can transfer bits in both directions
Word
A group of bits used by a computer to represent a single unit
Clock cycle
Clock speeds are measured in terms of GHz send out pulses along the control bus to synchronise computer operations
