Ift Flashcards
(44 cards)
What does the classical von Neumann machine consist of?
Major functional units include:
* Input Unit
* Memory
* Control Unit
* Output Unit
These components work together to execute instructions and process data.
Define Computer Organization.
The various operational units of a Computer and the interconnections that synthesize to realize the architecture.
It focuses on how the components are interconnected and how they communicate.
Define Computer Architecture.
The attributes of a computer system that are visible to a machine language programmer and have a direct impact on the logical execution of programs.
It describes the capabilities and programming model of the computer.
What is the stored-program concept?
The idea of storing program instructions in memory alongside data, allowing a computer to retrieve instructions from memory.
Proposed by John von Neumann in 1945.
What is the main function of the Control Unit in a CPU?
Fetches, decodes, and executes instructions.
It orchestrates the operation of the CPU by directing the flow of data between the CPU and other components.
What are the key features of Von Neumann Architecture?
- Single memory for storing both data and instructions
- Sequential instruction execution: fetch, decode, execute
This architecture is a foundational model for modern computing.
What distinguishes RISC from CISC architectures?
RISC features a smaller set of simple instructions that execute in a single clock cycle, while CISC has more complex instructions that may require multiple clock cycles to execute.
RISC is designed for efficiency and speed, whereas CISC offers more functionality per instruction.
What are General Purpose Registers (GPRs)?
Registers that are visible and accessible to the end user/programmer, used to keep intermediate results/data values.
They play a critical role in the performance of the CPU.
What is the purpose of the Program Counter (PC) Register?
Stores the address of the next instruction to be executed by the processor.
It ensures that the CPU executes instructions in the correct sequence.
What is an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
A component of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logic operations.
The ALU is essential for executing mathematical calculations and logical comparisons.
What is the primary function of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?
Stores the memory address from which data will be fetched or to which data will be sent.
It acts as a pointer to the memory location being accessed.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is responsible for interpreting instructions in memory and causing them to be executed.
Control Unit
The Control Unit is a crucial part of the CPU’s architecture.
True or False: The ENIAC was the first general-purpose electronic and digital computer.
True
It was completed in 1948 and was significantly faster than its predecessors.
What is the difference between Harvard Architecture and Von Neumann Architecture?
- Von Neumann: Shared memory for instructions and data
- Harvard: Separate memory for instructions and data
Harvard Architecture allows for faster processing due to independent pathways.
What is the function of the Instruction Register (IR)?
Holds the instruction currently being executed by the processor.
It is essential for the execution cycle of the CPU.
Describe the types of instruction formats mentioned.
- Three-Address Format
- Two-Address Format
- One-Address Format
- Zero-Address Format
Each format has a specific structure and is used in different types of architectures.
What is the purpose of cache memory?
To reduce effective memory latency by storing frequently accessed data closer to the CPU.
Cache memory enhances performance by speeding up data retrieval.
What are the main components of a CPU?
- Control Unit
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
- Registers
- Buses
These components work together to process instructions and manage data flow.
What are Special Purpose Registers (SPRs)?
Registers that perform specific functions in the microprocessor operations and are typically not accessible to the end user/programmer.
Examples include the Program Counter and Memory Address Register.
What type of memory is referred to as volatile and only stores data when power is on?
Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM is considered volatile because it loses its contents when the power is turned off.
What is the main difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM is volatile; ROM is non-volatile
ROM is programmed at the point of system fabrication and retains its contents without power.
What does the MAR stand for and what is its purpose?
Memory Address Register; it holds the address of the memory cell to be accessed
The MAR is crucial for fetching data from the correct memory location.
What are the two types of memory operations?
- Fetch
- Store
Fetch retrieves data without altering it, while Store writes data to a specific memory location.
What is the role of the device controller in the I/O subsystem?
Controls data transfer between peripheral devices and local buffer storage
Each device controller manages a specific device and communicates with the CPU through registers.
