TITBITS FROM THE SIMULATOR TUTORIAL Flashcards
What is the function of the Control Unit?
It regulates and integrates the the operations of the computer. . In reality causes certain connections between blocks of the uP to be opened or closed, so
that data goes where it is required, and so that ALU operations occur
Where are the results of operations by the ALU stored?
In the accumulator. The accumulator also performs operations. It is a part of the ALU
Describe the flags in the microprocessor
There are five flags: Zero(Z), Carry (CY), Sign (S), Parity (P), and Auxiliary Carry (AC) .
They are stored in the flag register but it is not used as a register. Five bits out of the eight are used to store the outcome of the five flags
What is the importance of flags?
These flags have critical importance in the decision-making process of the microprocessor. The conditions (set or reset) of the flags are tested through the software instructions. For example, the instruction JC (Jump on Carry) is implemented to change the sequence of a program when CY flag is set.
What is the function of the Program Counter?
This 16-bit register deals with sequencing the execution of instructions. This register is a memory pointer. The function of the program counter is to point to the memory address from which the next byte is to be fetched. When a byte (machine code) is being fetched, the program counter is incremented by one to point to the next memory location
What is a stack?
a LIFO (last in, first out) data structure implemented in the RAM area and is used to store addresses and data when the microprocessor branches to a subroutine
Describe the stored program concept when applied to the Von Neumann model.
The Von-Neumann Architecture, and stored-program concept, works where machine code instructions and data are stored, and loaded from memory into the processor to be executed in sequential order.
The transistor is the fundamental conceptual unit of modern computers. Write short notes about the functional attributes of this component.
transistor, semiconductor device for amplifying, controlling, and generating electrical signals.
What does the term backward compatibility mean in computing
a hardware or software system that can successfully use interfaces and data from earlier versions of the system or with other systems.
differentiate between Asynchronous and synchronous sequential circuits
In synchronous sequential circuits, the state of the device changes only at discrete times in response to a clock signal. In asynchronous circuits the state of the device can change at any time in response to changing inputs.
