computer architecture Flashcards
Processor Role
Executes program instructions
Bus Definiton
Series of parallel wires that connect internal components of a computer system
Address Bus
Transports memory addresses, specifying where data is retrieved/sent to
More wires in parallel = more addressable memory
Data Bus
Sends data and instructions in the system
Increasing width increases the rate of data transfer
Control Bus
Carries clock signal
Harvard Architecture
Diff memory locations for data and instructions (ensures read only instructions)
Used in embedded systems and digital signal processing
Performs better than VN as different buses means more efficient fetching etc
Stored Program Concept
Data and instructions stored in Main Memory
Which are fetched and ran sequentially
Programs can be loaded in and out of main memory
ALU Role
Arithmetic Logic Unit
Performs arithmetic and logic operations
Control Unit Role
Handles the fetch execute cycle
Controls various components
Register Def
Small storage locations with high read and write speed
PC Role
Program Counter
Holds memory address of the next instruction to be executed
CIR Role
Current Instruction Register
Holds the current instruction being processed by the processor
MAR Role
Holds the address of a location to be read or written
MBR Role
Memory Buffer Register Holds the contents that have been fetched from a memory address
Status Register
Contains number of bits, blue of which changes to indicate number of interrupts
