CPU & Von-Neumann Flashcards
What does CPU stand for?
Central processing unit
What are the 5 main parts of CPU?
- Control Unit
- Arithmetic Logic Unit
- Cache
- Internal Clock
- Buses
What is the CPU?
processes all of the data and instructions that make the system work.
it is the brain of the computer.
What does the control unit do in a CPU?
- Executes program instructions (using the fetch-decode-execute cycle)
- controls the flow of data inside the CPU
What does the ALU do in the CPU?
- does all calculations
- does logic operations
- registers are used to store intermediate results
What does the Cache do?
how does it compare to RAM
-it is very fast memory
-stores regularly used data so the CPU can access it quickly next time it’s needed.
when CPU requests data, it checks cache first, then RAM.
(is quicker and more expensive than RAM. but has a lower capacity.)
What does the internal clock do in the CPU?
- sends out a signal at a constant rate.
- this signal is used to synchronize when instructions should take place.
What do buses do in a CPU?
buses are collections of wires used to transmit data between components.
What are registers?
Registers temporarily hold tiny bits of data needed by the CPU.
Quickest form of memory (fastest to read/write)
What is Von-Neumann architecture?
A system where the CPU runs programs stored in memory.
only uses one memory for both data and instructions.
What is ‘Fetch’ in the F-D-E cycle?
- -control unit reads memory address for next instruction
- -copies instruction into a register
What is ‘decode’ in the F-D-E cycle?
- -instruction is decoded by the control unit
- -CU prepares for next step
What is ‘execute’ in the F-D-E cycle?
–instruction is performed
could be loading data, writing data or a logic operation
