Systems architecture Flashcards
What is computer architecture?
This is the internal, logical structure and organisation of the computer hardware. It is how all the different pieces of the computer fit together and work together efficiently.
What is the Von Neumann architecture?
Explains how all devices follow a general rule when processing informations. All data and programs are stored in the computers memory and as binary.
Input - data is inputted into device via input device.
CPU- data is processed by the CPU via the control unit and ALU.
Memory unit- data is transferred between the CPU and the computers memory.
Output- data is outputted to the user via the output device
What is the CPU?
The brain of the computer. It processes all instructions given to it by the user using the fetch decode execute cycle.
What are Hz?
The measure of the speed of a CPU. 1 Hz = 1 instruction that can be executed per second.
What is an instruction?
Something requested by the user that the CPU must carry out.
What is the clock speed?
The speed of a CPU, how many instructions can be carried out per second.
What is a core?
The number of processors within a CPU, that can carry out instructions. Each core would execute instructions independent to the other cores.
What is the cache?
The memory located on the processor chip. It acts as a very small amount of memory located between the processor and RAM. Frequently used instructions are there to make accessing them quicker and faster.
What is the fetch decode execute cycle?
Fetch- an instruction is fetched from memory (RAM)
Decode- the instruction is broken down into small instructions, amd converted into a language the CPU understands (binary)
Execute- the instruction is executed and the user receives what they requested
What is the ALU?
Performs all arithmetic ( -+/*) and logical ( <>= ) equations within the CPU.
What is the CU?
Works with the CPU to control the flow of data within the system and to decode instructions.
What are registers?
A small amount of memory within the CPU. There are a variety of registers, all of which do different jobs.
What is the MAR?
Memory address register. Stores address of the data of instruction that is currently being accessed by the CPU.
What is the MDR?
Memory data register. Stores the data or instruction that is currently being accessed by the CPU.
what is a PC?
A program counter stores the address of the next instruction to be processed, which then goes onto the MAR.
