CS: systems architecture Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is the purpose of the program counter (PC)?
It holds the address of the instruction the CPU will execute next
What is the purpose of the current instruction register (CIR)?
It holds the address of the instruction the CPU is executing now
What is the purpose of the memory address register (MAR)?
It holds the address of the instruction in main memory that the CPU needs to access.
What is the purpose of the accumulator (ACC)?
It holds the results of calculations
What is the purpose of the memory data register (MDR)?
It holds data that is being transferred between the main memory and CPU
What is the purpose of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU)?
It performs arithmetic calculations, logical operations and logical shifts (halving or doubling)
What is the purpose of the cache?
It is a form of memory the CPU can access quickly, holding frequently used instructions and data.
What is a register?
A high-speed, tiny, expensive component of the CPU with a specific, set purpose.
What 4 things does a Von Neumann architecture consist of? What is the defining characteristic?
CURAMALUinsandouts: Control unit, arithmetic logic unit, memory, and inputs and outputs. Data and instructions are stored in the same place.
What is an embedded system?
A computer system that has one dedicated function and is within a larger mechanical system.
What is a general purpose system?
An overall system with many different functions and purposes.
What are some advantages of using an embedded system?
Embedded systems are faster at what they do, cheaper and more energy efficient.
What are some advantages of using a general purpose system?
General purpose systems can do many things, run many different programs.
What are some disadvantages of using an embedded system?
Embedded systems only have one function.
What are some disadvantages of using a general purpose system?
General purpose systems are more expensive and less energy efficient.
What makes this item in a car an embedded system?
It has its own microprocessor.
