computer architecture definitions Flashcards
Accumulator
Register that stores the result of arithmetic and logical operations performed by the processor.
Arithmetic and logic unit
A part of a processor that is responsible for arithmetic functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc. and logic operations such as AND, OR, NOT, etc.
Buses
The connections between the processor, memory and input-output devices responsible for transferring data and signals.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
CPU consists of a control unit, ALU and cache memory. It is responsible for processing the instructions given to a computer.
Control Unit (CU)
A part of the processor that is responsible for controlling the memory, processor and input-output devices.
CIR (Current Instruction Register)
A register that contains the current instruction carried out by the processor.
Fetch-decode-
execute cycle
The processor of fetching data and instructions from the memory and storing it in suitable registers, decoding them and executing them that the CPU performs continuously.
Input device
A device that converts the signals sent by humans into a form that can be understood by the computer.
Interface
A standardised form of connection defining the properties of connection such as number of pins, voltage required and different signals.
Memory Address Register (MAR)
A register that stores the address of data for READ or WRITE operations.
Memory Data Register (MDR)
A register that stores the data for READ or WRITE operations.
Output device
A device that converts the information from the computer into a form that is understandable by humans.
Processor
Processor contains ALU (Arithmetic and Logic unit) and Control Unit (CU).
PC (Program Counter)
A register that contains the location of the instruction that is to be executed next.
Register
High-speed data storage areas in the computer.
