Chapter 4. Processor Fundamentals Flashcards
What is the Von Neumann architecture?
- A computer architecture model where the data and programs are stored in the same memory.
- Uses a single bus for both data and instructions.
What are the components of the CPU?
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logic operations.
- Control Unit (CU): Directs operations of the processor.
- Registers: Small, fast storage locations within the CPU.
What is the function of the ALU?
- Performs all arithmetic and logical operations within the CPU.
- Examples: Addition, subtraction, logical comparisons.
What is the purpose of the Control Unit (CU)?
- Directs the flow of data between the CPU and other components.
- Controls the execution of instructions.
What is a register in a CPU?
- Small, fast storage location in the CPU.
- Holds data temporarily during processing.
What are the common types of registers in a CPU?
- Program Counter (PC): Holds the address of the next instruction.
- Accumulator (ACC): Stores intermediate results of calculations.
- Memory Address Register (MAR): Holds the address of the memory location being accessed.
What is the Fetch-Execute cycle?
- The process by which a CPU retrieves and executes instructions.
- Steps: Fetch, Decode, Execute.
What happens during the Fetch stage of the Fetch-Execute cycle?
- The CPU retrieves an instruction from memory based on the address in the Program Counter (PC).
- Increments the PC to point to the next instruction.
What occurs in the Decode stage of the Fetch-Execute cycle?
- The CPU interprets the instruction and prepares necessary components for execution.
- Determines the type of operation to perform.
What is the Execute stage in the Fetch-Execute cycle?
- The CPU carries out the instruction using the ALU or other components.
- Results are stored back in registers or memory.
What is the role of the System Clock in a CPU?
- Synchronizes operations of the CPU by generating regular clock pulses.
- Determines the speed of processing.
What are the factors affecting CPU performance?
- Clock speed: Higher speeds allow more instructions per second.
- Number of cores: More cores can handle more tasks simultaneously.
- Cache memory: Reduces the time needed to access frequently used data.
What is the difference between primary memory and secondary memory?
- Primary memory: Volatile, fast, directly accessible by the CPU (e.g., RAM).
- Secondary memory: Non-volatile, slower, used for long-term storage (e.g., HDD, SSD).
What is cache memory?
- A small, high-speed memory located inside or near the CPU.
- Stores frequently accessed data to speed up processing.
What are interrupts in a computer system?
- Signals that inform the CPU of an event that needs immediate attention.
- Can pause the current process to handle the event.
What is the purpose of the Program Counter (PC)?
- Holds the memory address of the next instruction to be executed.
- Increments after each instruction fetch.
What is an Instruction Register (IR)?
- Holds the current instruction being decoded or executed.
- Part of the control unit.
What is a bus in computer architecture?
- A communication system that transfers data between components.
- Types: Data bus, Address bus, Control bus.
What is the function of the Memory Data Register (MDR)?
- Temporarily holds data being transferred to or from memory.
- Works in conjunction with the Memory Address Register (MAR).
