Processor Fundamentals Flashcards
What is the key realization behind the Von Neumann architecture?
Data and programs are indistinguishable and can be stored in the same memory.
How many processors does the Von Neumann architecture use?
A single processor.
What sequence of operations does the CPU follow in the Von Neumann architecture?
Fetch → Decode → Execute.
What is a register in a CPU?
A small, fast storage unit used for temporary data storage.
What are general-purpose registers used for?
Temporarily storing data values from memory or processed results.
What is the function of the Program Counter (PC)?
Holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched.
What does the Memory Data Register (MDR) do?
Holds the data value fetched from memory.
What does the Memory Address Register (MAR) store?
The address of the memory location to be accessed.
What is the role of the Accumulator (ACC)?
Stores values being processed by arithmetic & logic operations.
What does the Index Register (IX) do?
Stores a number used to modify an address value.
What is the function of the Current Instruction Register (CIR)?
Stores the fetched instruction for decoding & execution.
What does the Status Register hold?
Results of comparisons and intermediate or error results of arithmetic operations.
What is the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) responsible for?
Performing arithmetic and logical operations.
What does the Control Unit (CU) do?
Fetches, decodes, and synchronizes execution of instructions.
What is Immediate Access Store (IAS)?
Memory directly accessible by the CPU.
What is the purpose of the System Clock?
Synchronizes all CPU operations using pulses.
What is a bus in a computer system?
A set of parallel wires that transfer data between components.
What is the function of the Data Bus?
Transfers data between the processor, memory, and I/O devices (Bidirectional).
What does the Address Bus do?
Carries memory addresses from the processor to the MAR (Unidirectional).
What is the Control Bus used for?
Transmits control signals to avoid conflicts between components (Bidirectional).
How does Clock Speed affect CPU performance?
Higher clock speed means more instructions executed per second, improving performance.
Why is there a limit to increasing Clock Speed?
Higher speeds generate more heat, which can cause overheating
How does increasing Bus Width improve performance?
Allows more bits to be transferred simultaneously, increasing speed.
What is Cache Memory used for?
Stores frequently used instructions to reduce access time and improve performance.
