Computer architecture
10 flashcards to master Computer architecture
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Define the term 'CPU' and describe its main function.
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the computer. It executes instructions in a program by performing calculations, making logical decisions, and controlling the other components of the system.
What are the three main components of the CPU, and what is the role of each?
The three main components are the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit), the Control Unit, and Registers. The ALU performs calculations and logical operations. The Control Unit manages the execution of instructions. Registers are small, high-speed storage locations used to hold data and instructions.
Explain the purpose of the Program Counter (PC) and how it is used in the fetch-decode-execute cycle.
The Program Counter holds the address of the next instruction to be executed. During the fetch stage, the address in the PC is used to retrieve the instruction from memory, and then the PC is incremented to point to the subsequent instruction.
Describe the functions of the Memory Address Register (MAR) and the Memory Data Register (MDR).
The MAR holds the address of the memory location being accessed. The MDR holds the data being transferred to or from that memory location, acting as a buffer between the CPU and memory.
What is the role of the Current Instruction Register (CIR) in the fetch-decode-execute cycle?
The CIR holds the instruction that is currently being decoded and executed. After the instruction is fetched from memory, it's stored in the CIR for further processing by the Control Unit.
Explain the difference between the address bus, the data bus, and the control bus.
The address bus carries the memory address from the CPU to memory. The data bus carries the actual data being transferred. The control bus carries control signals (
Describe the fetch-decode-execute cycle, outlining the steps involved in processing an instruction.
The fetch-decode-execute cycle is the fundamental operation of a CPU. It involves fetching an instruction from memory, decoding the instruction to determine what operation to perform, and then executing the instruction.
Explain how clock speed affects the performance of a CPU.
Clock speed, measured in Hertz (Hz), determines the rate at which a CPU can execute instructions. A higher clock speed generally means faster processing, as the CPU can complete more cycles per second.
Describe the purpose of cache memory and explain how it improves performance.
Cache memory is a small, fast memory located closer to the CPU than main memory. It stores frequently accessed data and instructions, allowing the CPU to retrieve them more quickly, thereby reducing access time and improving performance.
What is a 'core' in the context of CPUs, and how does having multiple cores benefit performance?
A core is an independent processing unit within a CPU. Multiple cores allow a CPU to execute multiple tasks simultaneously, improving performance for multi-threaded applications and multitasking.
Key Questions: Computer architecture
Define the term 'CPU' and describe its main function.
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the computer. It executes instructions in a program by performing calculations, making logical decisions, and controlling the other components of the system.
Explain the purpose of the Program Counter (PC) and how it is used in the fetch-decode-execute cycle.
The Program Counter holds the address of the next instruction to be executed. During the fetch stage, the address in the PC is used to retrieve the instruction from memory, and then the PC is incremented to point to the subsequent instruction.
Describe the functions of the Memory Address Register (MAR) and the Memory Data Register (MDR).
The MAR holds the address of the memory location being accessed. The MDR holds the data being transferred to or from that memory location, acting as a buffer between the CPU and memory.
What is the role of the Current Instruction Register (CIR) in the fetch-decode-execute cycle?
The CIR holds the instruction that is currently being decoded and executed. After the instruction is fetched from memory, it's stored in the CIR for further processing by the Control Unit.
Explain the difference between the address bus, the data bus, and the control bus.
The address bus carries the memory address from the CPU to memory. The data bus carries the actual data being transferred. The control bus carries control signals (
About Computer architecture (3.1)
These 10 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Computer architecture for your Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.
What You'll Learn
- 7 Definitions - Key terms and their precise meanings that examiners expect
- 3 Key Concepts - Core ideas and principles from the 0478 syllabus
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