Chapter 5: Computer Architecture

Question 1

What two types of info does the memory of a von Neumann machine store?
Hint: DI PI
Hint: I dem-and you show me

Answer 1

Data items and programming instructions

Question 2

What is a signal when discussing computer architecture?
Hint: is it logical? How is it represented on a wire?

Answer 2

A logical value represented as a voltage on a wire inside a machine

Question 3

What is a bus?
Hint: Think about Batman and how he is informed of his need.

Answer 3

A bus is a group of signals with one purpose.

Question 4

The instructions that reside in the instruction memory are written in an agreed-upon formalism called?
Hint: The answer involves the binary operations that computers directly understand.

Answer 4

machine language

Question 5

The CPU executes tasks using what three main hardware elements?
Hint: Think about the components responsible for arithmetic and logical operations, temporary storage, and instruction execution control.

Answer 5

1. ALU
2. Registers
3. Control Unit

Question 6

What term is used to describe the registers that provide the CPU with short-term memory services?
Hint: Consider the type of info these registers handle, especially when the CPU needs quick access during calculations.

Answer 6

Data Registers

Question 7

When executing a program, the CPU must always keep track of the address of the next instruction that must be fetched from the instruction memory. This address is kept in a special register called?
Hint: Think about about the role of this register in maintaining the sequence of instructions during program execution. :)

Answer 7

Program Counter

Question 8

Define the von Neumann architecture and its key components.
Hint: Think about the fundamental elements of this architecture involving the CPU, memory device, and input/output device.

Answer 8

This architecture is based on a CPU interacting with a memory device, receiving data from some input device, and sending data to some output device

Question 9

How are data abstractions like variables and arrays represented in the computer’s data memory?
Hint: Flight of the Concords made a song about it.

Answer 9

As Binary Numbers

Question 10

In the case of an input device (keyboard, mouse, etc.), the memory map is
made to “ “.
Hint: a constant mirror with muscles holding a phone

Answer 10

Continuously reflect the physical state of the device

Question 11

In the case of an output device (screen, speakers, etc.), the memory map is made to “ “.
Hint: A constant car driving to state devise 🤷‍♀️

Answer 11

Continuously drive the physical state of the device.

Question 12

What does a Hack CPU consist of?
Hint: arithmetic, cash holders x2, PC

Answer 12

1. ALU
2. Data register (D)
3. Address register (A)
4. Program Counter (PC)

Question 13

In a Hack CPU, what are the three ways an A-register can be interpreted as?
Hint: D, R, R

Answer 13

1. As a data value
2. As a RAM address
3. As a ROM address