ENG210 Computer Architecture: CPU & Memory

Flashcards based on key concepts from Dr. Kuljeet Kaur's lecture on Computer Architecture, focusing on CPU components, operations, memory types, and architecture principles.

What are the major components of the CPU?

The major components of the CPU are the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and the Control Unit (CU).

What does the ALU do?

The ALU performs calculations and comparisons, including mathematical operations and logical operations.

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

The CU performs the fetch/execute cycle and accesses program instructions, issuing commands to the ALU and moving data to and from CPU registers.

What is the purpose of Registers within the CPU?

Registers are small, permanent storage locations used to hold data, addresses, or instructions needed quickly or frequently during program execution.

What is the Program Counter (PC)?

The Program Counter is a special-purpose register that holds the address of the next instruction to be executed.

What does the Memory Address Register (MAR) hold?

The MAR holds the address of the memory location that needs to be accessed.

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

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

How does the Fetch-Execute Cycle work?

It consists of two phases: fetching the instruction from memory and then executing the instruction.

What does RAM stand for and what are its types?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory; main types include DRAM (Dynamic RAM) and SRAM (Static RAM).

What is the difference between volatile and nonvolatile memory?

Volatile memory requires power to maintain information, while nonvolatile memory retains data even without power.

Define the Fetch Cycle in CPU operations.

The Fetch Cycle involves loading the program counter value into the MAR, incrementing the program counter, and retrieving the current instruction into the Instruction Register (IR).

What are the types of buses in computer architecture?

Types of buses include data buses, addressing buses, control buses, and power buses.

What is Pipelining in CPU architecture?

Pipelining is an assembly-line technique that allows overlapping of fetch-execute cycles for improved instruction processing.

What does Superscalar processing enable?

Superscalar processing allows the execution of more than one instruction per clock cycle through multiple execution units.

How does cache memory improve CPU performance?

Cache memory improves performance by storing frequently accessed data closer to the CPU, reducing access times compared to main memory.

What is a Hit Ratio in cache memory?

The Hit Ratio is the ratio of cache hits to total memory requests, indicating the effectiveness of the cache.

Explain the difference between Master-Slave and Symmetrical multiprocessing.

In Master-Slave multiprocessing, one CPU controls the system while others follow; in Symmetrical multiprocessing, all CPUs have equal access to resources.

What factors determine memory capacity?

Memory capacity is determined by the number of bits in the MAR and the size of the address portion of the instruction.

What is the role of the Instruction Register (IR)?

The IR stores the instruction fetched from memory and informs the CPU about what operation to perform.

What are the main elements of an instruction in CPU design?

Main elements of an instruction include OPCODE, source operand(s), and result operand.

Define Bus in computer architecture.

A Bus is a physical connection that transfers data from one location in the computer system to another.

What is the significance of the Control Unit step in CPU operations?

The Control Unit determines which operation is to be performed on which data, coordinating the actions of the ALU.

Differentiate between volatile and nonvolatile RAM.

Volatile RAM, such as DRAM, loses data when power is off, while nonvolatile RAM retains data without power.

What is meant by Out-of-order processing?

Out-of-order processing allows instructions to be executed as resources are available, rather than strictly in order.

What types of signals do buses carry?

Buses typically carry data, addressing, control signals, and sometimes power.

What is Memory Interleaving?

Memory Interleaving partitions memory into subsections with their own registers to improve access speeds.