Computer Achitecture

Question 1

Who invented it?

Answer 1

John von Neumann architecture

Question 2

Main Architecture Components

Answer 2

Major components in a computer connected together by buses:
1) Memory The unit that stores and retrieves instructions and data.
2) CPU: The unit that houses two separate components:
The control unit: Repeats the following 3 tasks:
Fetches an instruction from memory
Decodes the instruction
Executes the instruction
The arithmetic/logic unit (ALU): Performs mathematical and logical operations.
3) Input/Output (I/O) devices: Handle communication with the outside world.

Question 3

System Bus Model

Answer 3

Data Bus
Address Bus
Control Bus

Question 4

Instruction

Answer 4

An operation performed by the CPU

Question 5

Instruction Set

Answer 5

he design defines the set of operations that can be performed by the CPU
Different computer architectures are characterised by:
Number of instructions
Complexity of operations performed by individual instructions
Format (layout, fixed vs. variable length)
Use of registers
Addressing (size, modes)
RISC = Reduced Instruction Set Computer
CISC = Complex Instruction Set Computer
Intel Pentium is CISC PowerPC (IBM) is RISC

Question 6

FDEC, What does it stand for?

Answer 6

Fetch, Decode, Execute Cycle

Question 7

Types of memory

Answer 7

Primary - Registers, RAM, ROM, Cache

Secondary - Hard drive, CD/DVD, Pen-drive, Tape

Question 8

Peripheral Devices

Answer 8

BIOS - Basic input output system

Interrupt driven - Interrupts sent via a bus to interrupt the CPU and service the device request