Unit 1 - Systems Architecture Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is the CPU?
The Central Processing unit is the main part of the computer, consisting of the registers, ALU and control unit. It is responsible for the fetch - decode - execute cycle.
What is the Von Neumann architecture?
It is Traditional computer architecture that forms the basis of most digital computer systems. Instructions are fetched, decoded and executed one at a time.
What is the Fetch - Decode - Execute Cycle?
The complete process of retrieving an instruction from storage, decoding it and carrying it out. Also known as the instruction cycle.
What are the two major component in the CPU called?
It is the Control Unit and the ALU ( Arithmetic-Logic Unit). It also has many registers within it as well.
What is a register?
A register is a very very fast memory location within the CPU.
What is the control unit?
The control unit decodes instructions. It sends signals to control how data moves around the CPU.
What is the ALU?
The Arithmetic-Logic Unit Performs calculations (e.g., x = 2 + 3) and logical comparisons (e.g., IF x > 3) in the CPU.
What are the registers in the CPU?
Program Counter
MAR (Memory Address Register)
MDR ( Memory Data Register)
Accumulator
What is a program counter?
The Program counter holds the address of the next instructions to be executed. It is located in the Control Unit.
What is a MAR?
The Memory Address Register holds the memory address of the current instruction, and then the data it uses, so that these can be fetched from the memory
What is an MDR?
The Memory Data Register holds the actual instruction, and then the data that has been fetched from the memory.
What is an Accumulator?
The accumulator holds the result of the instruction before it is transferred to the memory.
What affects the CPU’s performance?
. Clock Speed
. Num of processor cores
. Cache size
What is clock speed?
Measured in hertz, the clock speed is the number of fetch-decode-execute cycles per second that a CPU can perform
What are Processor Cores?
A single, independent processing unit within a CPU. Each core has its own control unit, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and registers, allowing it to independently execute instructions. Modern CPUs often have multiple cores (dual-core, quad-core, etc.), enabling them to process multiple instructions concurrently, which can lead to faster performance.
What is cache memory?
Cache memory is a small amount of very fast, expensive memory in the CPU. It can be accessed faster than accessing the main memory (RAM) as RAM is further away from the CPU but the cache is closer.
How do you find out the max number of cycles per second when given the number of cycles and the amount of cache memory?
max num of cycles = num of cycles * amount of cache memory
What are embedded systems?
A computer built to solve a highly specific problem. Not easy to change. It is a single processor that includes RAM, ROM and CPU. Without embedded systems, a digital device would not be able to perform specific functions.
What are three examples of embedded systems?
Satnavs, Washing machine and a Microwave.
What are the two main types of primary storage?
RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory)
What is RAM?
Random access memory is a volatile (data is lost when the computer is powered off) memory. Its purpose is to temporarily store currently executing instructions and data.
What is ROM?
Read-only memory is a form of non-volatile (data is retained when the computer is powered off) memory. Its purpose is to store start-up instructions for the computer.
What is virtual memory?
It is part of the hard drive, used as an extension for RAM in case it is fully used up.
What is secondary storage?
Permanent storage of instructions and data not currently in use by the processor. Stores the operating system, applications and data. Read-and-write and non-volatile.
