3.7.1.1 Internal Hardware Components of a Computer. Flashcards
Outline the purpose of a processor.
A computer’s processor executes program instructions in order to run applications.
Outline the purpose of main memory.
A computer uses its main memory, which includes RAM
(random access memory) and ROM (read only memory), to
store program instructions and frequently used data.
Which is quicker, main memory or secondary storage?
Main memory is usually much faster than secondary storage so
storing frequently used data in RAM or ROM helps the
processor to execute instructions quickly
Define what is meant by a bus.
A bus is
a series of parallel wires that connects internal components
of a computer system, allowing signals to be passed between
them.
Define the relationship between parallel wires and bits.
The number of parallel wires in a bus is called its width and
has a direct relationship to the number of bits can be
transferred simultaneously by the bus.
Outline the three types of buses.
Address bus.
Data bus.
Control bus.
Define an address bus.
Used to transport memory addresses, specifying where data is to be sent to or retrieved from.
How does width of an address bus affect the range of addresses it can specify?
Increasing the width of the address bus increases the range of
addresses that it can specify, hence increasing the computer’s amount of addressable
memory.
Adding a single wire doubles the number of addressable memory locations.
Define addressable memory.
A portion of memory that can be accessed by its address.
What happens if there are not enough available addresses?
Some portions of memory may go unused.
Define a data bus.
Sends data and instructions to and from the different components of
the computer system. Increasing the width of the data bus increases the volume of data
that can be transferred over the bus at any one time.
What happens if you increase the width of a data bus?
Volume of data
that can be transferred over the bus at any one time will increase.
Define a control bus.
Carries control signals that regulates the operation of the computer system. The control bus also carries the computer’s clock signal.
Define an I/O controller.
Hardware that controls the communication of data between the processor and external hardware devices. E.g. keyboard and mouse.
What are the Von Neumann and Harvard architectures?
Two different ways of setting up a
processor’s access to main memory.
