Computer Architecture Flashcards

1
Q

What is the Stored Program Concept?

A

Machine code instructions stored in main memory are fetched and executed serially by a processor that performs arithmetic and logical operations

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2
Q

What’s the function of the ALU and what does it stand for

A

The Arithmetic Logic Unit performs arithmetic and logical operations.

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3
Q

What are examples of functions the ALU performs?

A

Performs functions such as:

  • Fixed and floating point arithmetic
  • Logical operations (AND, OR, XOR)
  • Shift operations
  • ADD, DIVIDE, SUBTRACT, MULTIPLY
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4
Q

Where are the inputs from and the outputs of the ALU ?

A

Inputs are from the accumulator

Outputs are routed to one of the registers.

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5
Q

What is the function of the Control Unit?

A
  • Directs data flow between the cpu and other devices

- fetches program instructions from memory, to decode them and to execute them serially.

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6
Q

What is the function of the system Clock?

A

The clock synchronises all computer operations by sending a signal to each of the computer components on a regular basis.

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7
Q

What is a register?

A

A register is fast temporary storage that exists in the processor or I/O controller.

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8
Q

What are the two types of registers?

A

General purpose and dedicated registers

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9
Q

What are General Purpose registers used for?

A
  • Usually named R0-R15
  • They are used to hold instructions and data temporarily.
  • All arithmetic/logical/shift operations takes place in the general purpose registers
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10
Q

What are special purpose/dedicated registers used for, name the 6 main ones?

A

They are used by the processor to carry out a specific role.

  • PC, Program Counter
  • ACC, Accumulator
  • MAR, Memory Address Register
  • MBR, Memory Buffer Register
  • CIR, Current register
  • SR, Status Register
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11
Q

What is Von Neumann Architecture?

A

Is when both instructions and data are stored in the same memory and share the same buses

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12
Q

What is Harvard Architecture?

A

is when data and instructions are stored in seperate memories and are accessed using different buses

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13
Q

When is Von Neumann Architecture mostly used?

A
  • Used for general use computers

- helpful for running a variety of programs simultaneously

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14
Q

When is Harvard Architecture mostly used?

A

Used in embedded systems and situations where the speed of an operation is important

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15
Q

Name the internal components of a computer system?

A
  • Processor
  • Main memory
  • address bus, control bus, data bus
  • I/O controllers
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16
Q

What is the role of the processor?

A

To execute program instructions in order to run applications

17
Q

What does the processor contain?

A

The control unit, the ALU and registers

18
Q

What is a bus?

A

A set of parallel wires connecting two or more components of a computer

19
Q

What is an i/o controller?

A
  • A device which receives input/output requests from the processor and sends device specific control signals to the device they control
  • They manage data flow to and from the device
20
Q

What are the 3 parts that make up a i/o controller

A
  • An interface connecting the controller to the system bus
  • A set of data/command/status registers
  • An interface connecting the controller to the cable connecting the device to the computer
21
Q

Give an example of an interface

A

A USB

22
Q

What is an advantage of using Harvard architecture

A

Can be faster as data and instructions can be fetched in parallel instead of having to compete for the same bus

23
Q

How many general purpose registers does a computer typically have?

A

16

24
Q

What is the accumulator?

A

A general purpose register