System Architecture And Data Representation

Question 1

What is the purpose of the CPU?

Answer 1

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) carries out instructions from programs by performing basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations.

Question 2

What is the Von Neumann architecture?

Answer 2

A computer architecture model where the same memory and data bus are used for both data and instructions.

Question 3

What does MAR stand for and what is its function?

Answer 3

MAR stands for Memory Address Register. It holds the memory address of the data or instruction that needs to be accessed.

Question 4

What is the function of the MDR (Memory Data Register)?

Answer 4

MDR temporarily holds data that is being transferred to or from memory.

Question 5

What does the Program Counter do?

Answer 5

It holds the address of the next instruction to be executed.

Question 6

What is the role of the Accumulator?

Answer 6

It stores intermediate arithmetic and logic results in the CPU.

Question 7

What are the functions of the ALU, CU, and Cache?

Answer 7

• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
• CU (Control Unit): Directs operations of the processor.
• Cache: Small, fast memory that stores frequently accessed data.

Question 8

What happens during the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

Answer 8

1. Fetch:
   • PC → address of next instruction
   • MAR → gets that address
   • RAM → sends instruction to MDR
   • CIR → holds the instruction
   • PC is updated (incremented)
2. Decode:
   • CIR → instruction decoded by Control Unit
   • Finds out what needs to be done
3. Execute:
   • ALU or CU runs the instruction
   • May use Accumulator for results
   • Data may be read/written using MDR

Question 9

How do CPU characteristics affect performance? (Clock speed,cache size, number of cores)

Answer 9

• Clock speed: Higher speed means more instructions per second.
• Cache size: Larger cache allows more data to be stored close to the CPU.
• Number of cores: More cores allow multiple tasks to run simultaneously.

Question 10

What is an embedded system?

Answer 10

A computer system with a dedicated function within a larger device, like a washing machine or microwave.

Question 11

Give examples of embedded systems.

Answer 11

Digital cameras, washing machines, microwaves, fitness trackers.