Systems Architecture (Mainly CPU) excluding memory and storage. Flashcards
What does CPU stand for?
Central Processing Unit.
What does RAM stand for?
Random Access Memory.
What does ROM stand for?
Read Only memory.
What is the purpose of the CPU?
The CPU is responsible for processing data, and uses the FDE cycle.
What is the FDE cycle?
The FDE cycle is the Fetch Decode Execute cycle and is responsible for executing instructions.
What is the ‘Fetch’ part of the FDE cycle responsible for?
The ‘Fetch’ retrieves the instruction.
What is the ‘Decode’ part of the FDE cycle responsible for?
The ‘Decode’ phase decodes and analyses the instruction.
What is the ‘Fetch’ part of the FDE cycle responsible for?
The ‘Execute’ phase carries out the instruction.
What is the Von Neumann architecture?
It is the method of processing and design
of the processor that is used in most
computers. Von Neumann described a processor that took each instruction serially and performed it before carrying out the
next. In addition the instructions and data
were all stored together in the same
memory.
Who invented the Von Neumann architecture?
John Von Neumann.
What are the components of a CPU is the Von Neumann architecture?
control unit, arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), internal memory, registers, buses
What is the purpose of the control unit inside the CPU?
The control unit sends and receives signals from all parts of the computer. This ensures that all processes take place at the right time and in the correct order. These signals travel along a control bus.
What is the purpose of the ALU inside the CPU?
The ALU is the part of the CPU that processes and manipulates data. It performs simple calculations on the data that is temporarily stored in the registers. Examples of calculations that an ALU might perform are addition and subtraction. The ALU is also able to perform comparisons on data. It is these comparisons that allow programs to make use of choice
What is the purpose of Registers?
A register is a storage location found on the CPU where data or control information is temporarily stored. Registers are usually much faster to access than internal memory, since they have to be accessed so often. An accumulator is a common example of a register. This is the register used by the ALU to store the results of its calculations.
What is the purpose of internal (cache) memory?
Internal memory (sometimes called cache memory) is fast access temporary storage on the CPU. Data is moved from the registers to the internal memory when it is not being actively used. Data from internal memory can then either be written to RAM or called back into the registers for further processing. This process of using internal memory speeds up the processing of data.
What is the purpose of buses?
Buses allow data to be transferred to different parts of the computer. There are three main buses used by the CPU; the address bus, data bus, and control bus.
What is the purpose of the address bus?
This bus is used to specify the memory location (address) where the CPU wants to read data from or write data to.
What is the purpose of the data bus?
This bus carries the actual data that the CPU is transferring. It can be bidirectional, meaning it can carry data both from the CPU to other components and vice versa.
What is the purpose of the control bus?
This bus is responsible for coordinating the operation of the system. It carries control signals, such as read, write, and memory enable signals, that tell the other components what to do.
What are embedded systems?
Embedded systems are small, specialized computer systems designed to control and monitor devices and processes within larger systems. For example a washing machine is an example of an embedded system.
