CPU and Computer System Flashcards
Von Neumann’s Architecture
A computer architecture that consists of an input device, the CPU(Arithmetic/Logic Unit and Control Unit), a memory unit and an output device
CPU
Central Processing Unit
Four main components of CPU
Arithmetic Unit
Control Unit
Clock
Bus
Arithmetic/Logic Unit
A circuit designed to carry out arithmetic and logic operations, e.g. multiplication, division, addition, subtraction
RAM
Random Access Memory
ROM
Read Only Memory
Bus
Program instructions and data move between the main memory and processor using internal connections.
Address bus
Sends information about the destination of the data by sending and address for the memory. This bus only sends data in one direction, from the CPU to the RAM.
Data bus
Sends data to the memory or receives data from the memory. This data can flow both ways along the data bus.
Fetch execute cycle
Fetch
Decode
Execute
Fetch
The next instruction is fetched to the CPU from the main memory.
Decode
The instruction is decoded to work out what it is.
Execute
The instruction is executed/carried out and sent back to the CPU.
Factors affecting processor speed
Clock speed
Number of processor cores
Cache size
Cache type
Clock speed
The operating speed of a computer or microprocessor, measured in cycles per second.
