Microprocessors and Datapath Concepts

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to microprocessors, datapath concepts, and their components.

Microprocessor

A digital device that processes input, stores values, and produces output according to on-board instructions.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

A component in a CPU responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations.

Datapath

The part of a microprocessor where all data computations take place, often represented by wired connections.

Control Unit

An FSM that orchestrates actions within the datapath by sending control signals.

Registers

Storage elements that hold data temporarily within the processor, allowing for quick access during operations.

Memory

Units in the CPU that store larger amounts of data for processing, including main memory and cache.

Finite State Machine (FSM)

A computational model used in the control unit, managing the processing of inputs and outputs based on current states.

Multiplexers

Devices that select one of several input signals and forward the selected input into a single line, crucial in ALU input selection.

One-hot Decoder

A type of demultiplexer used to activate a single register from a register file based on its address.

Instruction Register

A register that holds the current instruction being executed, serving as the interface between fetched instructions and the control unit.

Program Counter (PC)

A register that keeps track of the address of the next instruction to be executed in a program.

Load-Store Architecture

A computer architecture where data must be loaded into registers before it can be processed; only specific instructions allow memory access.

Opcode

The portion of a machine language instruction that specifies the operation to be performed by the CPU.

Branching

A type of instruction that alters the program counter based on specified conditions.

Tri-state Buffer

A buffer that can be in one of three states: sending data, not sending data, or high impedance.

Sign Extend

A process used to convert a smaller bit-width value into a larger bit-width value by replicating the sign bit.