Chapter 4. Processor Fundamentals

Question 1

What is the Von Neumann architecture?

Answer 1

• A computer architecture model where the data and programs are stored in the same memory.
• Uses a single bus for both data and instructions.

Question 2

What are the components of the CPU?

Answer 2

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logic operations.
• Control Unit (CU): Directs operations of the processor.
• Registers: Small, fast storage locations within the CPU.

Question 3

What is the function of the ALU?

Answer 3

• Performs all arithmetic and logical operations within the CPU.
• Examples: Addition, subtraction, logical comparisons.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the Control Unit (CU)?

Answer 4

• Directs the flow of data between the CPU and other components.
• Controls the execution of instructions.

Question 5

What is a register in a CPU?

Answer 5

• Small, fast storage location in the CPU.
• Holds data temporarily during processing.

Question 6

What are the common types of registers in a CPU?

Answer 6

• Program Counter (PC): Holds the address of the next instruction.
• Accumulator (ACC): Stores intermediate results of calculations.
• Memory Address Register (MAR): Holds the address of the memory location being accessed.

Question 7

What is the Fetch-Execute cycle?

Answer 7

• The process by which a CPU retrieves and executes instructions.
• Steps: Fetch, Decode, Execute.

Question 8

What happens during the Fetch stage of the Fetch-Execute cycle?

Answer 8

• The CPU retrieves an instruction from memory based on the address in the Program Counter (PC).
• Increments the PC to point to the next instruction.

Question 9

What occurs in the Decode stage of the Fetch-Execute cycle?

Answer 9

• The CPU interprets the instruction and prepares necessary components for execution.
• Determines the type of operation to perform.

Question 10

What is the Execute stage in the Fetch-Execute cycle?

Answer 10

• The CPU carries out the instruction using the ALU or other components.
• Results are stored back in registers or memory.

Question 11

What is the role of the System Clock in a CPU?

Answer 11

• Synchronizes operations of the CPU by generating regular clock pulses.
• Determines the speed of processing.

Question 12

What are the factors affecting CPU performance?

Answer 12

• Clock speed: Higher speeds allow more instructions per second.
• Number of cores: More cores can handle more tasks simultaneously.
• Cache memory: Reduces the time needed to access frequently used data.

Question 13

What is the difference between primary memory and secondary memory?

Answer 13

• Primary memory: Volatile, fast, directly accessible by the CPU (e.g., RAM).
• Secondary memory: Non-volatile, slower, used for long-term storage (e.g., HDD, SSD).

Question 14

What is cache memory?

Answer 14

• A small, high-speed memory located inside or near the CPU.
• Stores frequently accessed data to speed up processing.

Question 15

What are interrupts in a computer system?

Answer 15

• Signals that inform the CPU of an event that needs immediate attention.
• Can pause the current process to handle the event.

Question 16

What is the purpose of the Program Counter (PC)?

Answer 16

• Holds the memory address of the next instruction to be executed.
• Increments after each instruction fetch.

Question 17

What is an Instruction Register (IR)?

Answer 17

• Holds the current instruction being decoded or executed.
• Part of the control unit.

Question 18

What is a bus in computer architecture?

Answer 18

• A communication system that transfers data between components.
• Types: Data bus, Address bus, Control bus.

Question 19

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

Answer 19

• Temporarily holds data being transferred to or from memory.
• Works in conjunction with the Memory Address Register (MAR).