CPU Architecture Flashcards
What architecture was used before Von Neumann?
Harvard architecture.
What is the main characteristic of Harvard achitecture?
Data and instructions stored separately.
What are the main problems with Harvard architecture?
Slower.
Less organised.
Sometimes needed to re-wire to re-program.
What is Von Neumann architecture the basis for?
General-purpose computers.
What is the main features of Von Neumann architecture?
Data and instructions both in main memory as binary.
Instructions are fetched serially.
Processor uses the FDE cycle.
What does ALU stand for and what is its general purpose?
Arithmetic logic unit.
Preforms calculations and makes logical decisions.
What does the ALU do (in detail)?
Preforms arithmetic and logical operations.
Gateway between primary memory and secondary storage (Data passes through).
What is the controller’s general purpose?
Drives the execution of program instructions.
What does the controller do (in detail)?
Controls and monitors communication between hardware.
Oversees data input, output, and delivers data (Place + time).
Ensures successful delivery of signals.
What are buses?
Series lines connection process to other hardware.
What are address buses?
Uni-directional.
Sends addresses from the CPU to RAM.
Identifies location in cache/main memory that is to be read/write to.
What are data buses?
Bi-directional.
Between main memory and processor.
Related to address in address bus.
What are control buses?
Bi-directional.
Between controller and hardware for communication.
Determine data processing.
