The CPU Flashcards
1
Q
What is the purpose of the CPU?
A
- To process data and instructions by constantly repeating the fetch-execute cycle.
2
Q
What does the Control Unit do?
A
- Sends control signals to direct the operation of the CPU.
- Decodes instructions in the F-E cycle.
- Control signals and timing signals are sent to the ALU and other components such as RAM.
3
Q
What is a register?
A
- A temporary storage space for one instruction or address.
4
Q
What does the ALU do?
A
- Performs simple calculations and logical operations.
5
Q
What does cache do?
A
- Cache memory is used to temporarily store data that is frequently accessed.
- Split into different levels.
- Slower to access than the registers but faster than RAM.
6
Q
What is an architecture of a computer?
A
The way a computer is designed and structured
7
Q
What is the von Neumann architecture?
A
- A computer with a Von Neumann architecture stores both program instructions and data in the same memory (RAM).
- Data is transferred between components on pathways called buses.
